Altor, the Nordic investment fund that acquired Helly Hansen in 2006 for about $140 million, is expected to start accepting offers for the Norwegian company's takeover in the next few days, according to Reuters. As already reported, Columbia Sportswear, Jarden Corporation, PPR and VF Corporation are thought to be interested, along with other financial investors. However, Altor is said to be asking for minimum bids of $200 million for the company, although it already sold its work and survival clothing segment to another equity fund at the end of 2010. Helly Hansen improved sales and profits sharply last year, as we have already reported (see our electronic archives), and according to company officials, the first quarter of this year was also very strong in terms of sales and margins.

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