The private equity owner of Europe’s largest second-hand car dealer is gearing up to buy motor rescue firm the RAC, which was recently put up for sale by insurance giant Aviva.

Clayton Dubilier & Rice, which bought British Car Auctions last year and also owns a stake in car rental firm Hertz, is one of several buyout groups in the running, reports the Daily Express.

Aviva bought the RAC for £1.1billion in 2005 with a view to boosting profits by selling motor and home cover to the organisation’s 7 million-plus members.

It subsequently offloaded businesses that came with the group, including Auto Windscreens and the BSM driving school.