Aurum Holdings, the owner of high street jewellery chain Goldsmiths, has drafted in bankers as it pursues a stock market float.
The British-based retail group, which also owns Mappin & Webb and Watches of Switzerland, has appointed Goldman Sachs and Barclays with a view to listing next year.
According to Sky News, the plans are at an early stage but are being spearheaded by Aurum’s owner Apollo Global Management.
Any listing could value the business at more than £600m, analysts have estimated.
Aurum, which accounts for around half of all Rolex sales in the UK, held a 36.4% share of the UK luxury watch market last year.
Sales in Britain have been boosted following the shock Brexit vote as tourists took advantage of the weaker pound to snap up premium watches.
Following the EU referendum, Aurum’s chief executive Brian Duffy said: “Brexit has been hugely beneficial. There are undoubtedly more tourists, and they’re looking to spend, because they’re confident in the value they’re getting.”
Aurum boasts around 150 UK stores and employs more than 1,000 staff.
It is also expanding into the US following the purchase of Mayors Jewelers for just over $100m (£75.5m).
Apollo, which bought Aurum in 2012, is thought to prefer a stock market flotation in London, although Zurich is also being considered.
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