The owner of British Car Auctions (BCA) is carrying out a review of the company with a view to putting it up for sale.

Montagu Private Equity bought BCA in September 2006.

It has now confirmed that it is reviewing the operation, which is likely to lead to BCA being prepared for sale.

However, Montagu has not committed to selling BCA and is waiting until the results of the review, which is not expected to be completed until early next year.

"Montagu have appointed UBS to undertake a strategic review of their options with regard to BCA," confirmed a spokesman.

"It is business as usual at BCA and we continue to service our customers’ needs at the high levels they have come to expect."