Campbell Soup Company is reportedly considering a GBP1.5bn (US$2.33bn) bid to acquire UK food manufacturer United Biscuits.

The Guardian reported that Campbell has engaged Centerview Partners to advise it on launching a break-up bid for the producer of McCoy’s crisps, Hula Hoops, KP Nuts and Twiglets.

Campbells is thought to be most interested in the manufacturer’s biscuit division.

The board of United Biscuits allegedly gave its private equity owners, Blackstone and PAI Partners, permission in July to sell the business.

Other rumoured buyers include Kraft, PepsiCo and Kellogg.

A Campbells spokesperson declined to respond to the rumours.