Alfa Financial in takeover talks with US PE firm Thomas H Lee Partners

Asset finance software company Alfa Financial Software Holdings confirmed on Wednesday that it is in preliminary takeover talks with US private equity firm Thomas H Lee Partners.

Responding to press speculation, the company said there can be no certainty that a firm offer will be made.

Earlier, the shares surged after markets blog Betaville reported that Alfa was the centre of a renewed round of takeover rumours.

At 1150 BST, the stock was up 12.8% at 188.39p.