Stanley Gibbons says now on the for sale block

Stanley Gibbons, the stamp and coin specialist, yesterday disclosed it may put itself up for sale as the suitor that last week approached it pulled out of any deal.

Stanley Gibbons shares rocketed on Friday after announcing the approach by private equity firm Disruptive Capital, but slumped 12 per cent yesterday on investor disappointment after the suitor said it was now “not making an offer” for the firm.

Instead, Stanley said it had it begun a strategic review aimed at unlocking “long term value”, which could include a sale of some or all of the group.

The company said in a statement that it was now considering all options open to it. “Following a complete overhaul of the board and the executive leadership last year, the company has now been comprehensively restructured.

“During this time the new board has successfully reduced annualised operating costs by over £10 million and announced disposals totalling £6.3 million.”