Carpet retailer Tapi Carpets & Floors is understood to be close in a move to acquire its struggling rival Carpetright.

Carpetright recently filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators whilst it works to finalise additional investment to secure the long term future of the company.

It is understood that if any sale was achieved, it would be via a pre-pack administration deal, which could save hundreds of stores and jobs in the process.

However, it is also understood that there are some concerns from Carpetright over a deal, mainly due to Tapi accessing sensitive company information while also having to go through a potential competition clearance due to the Tapi being a direct competitor.

As the time of Carpetright filing a notice of intent to appoint administrators, Kevin Barrett, CEO of Nestware Holdings, said: “We remain focussed on securing external investment to ensure as few customers and colleagues are impacted as possible.

“They are our main priority and we are taking all appropriate action to make sure they are informed and supported through this process. We have begun promising conversations with interested parties that are moving in the right direction, encouraging us that Carpetright has a viable future.”

Financial pressures following a software attack that disrupted trade in April and subsequently impacted plans to restructure, has resulted in the Company seeking a period of protection whilst sale negotiations proceed.

Carpetright currently has 272 stores and employs 1,852 people in the UK, and is continuing to trade during this process.