Energy research company Wood Mackenzie is preparing for an initial public offering on the stock market which could give it a valuation of up to $3.09billion.
According to reports, Wood Mac, which is owned by private equity firm Hellman & Friedman, has hired Lazard in recent week to advise on its proposed listing.
In 2012, Wood Mac was acquired from Charterhouse at a valuation of £1.1.
Charterhouse still retains a 13% share in the company.
It has been reporter that Wood Mac has received competing takeover bids from US data companies Verisk Analytics and McGraw Hill Financial.