Next Fifteen in talks to buy Engine UK

In a brief statement in response to press speculation, Next Fifteen said: "In line with its strategy, the company regularly assesses a number of potential acquisition opportunities at any given time. The company confirms that it is in discussions with Engine UK and its owners."

It added that there can be no certainty that any transaction will proceed to completion or as to how any transaction would be structured.

Sky News city editor Mark Kleinman had tweeted on Sunday about a potential deal, saying that Next Fifteen was planning to partly fund the acquisition by selling new shares.

Next Fifteen is an AIM-listed tech and data-driven growth consultancy with operations in Europe, North America and across Asia Pacific.