THE Bolton family behind one of the UK's best known Indian food businesses has begun a review aimed at satisfying its hunger for global expansion.

Patak's has hired investment bank NM Rothschild to come up with options for expanding the company, which is set to achieve sales of more than £70 million this financial year.

It remains 100 per cent owned by the Patak family, with around half of its 650 staff now employed at a state-of-the-art factory at Leigh.

The family is keen to remain with the business, so it is likely that a part sale could be one option for increasing investment, rather than a complete disposal. It is estimated that Patak's is worth around £200 million.

As well as its sauces, pickles, breads and ready meals, the company also makes own brand products for major supermarket chains and supplies around 75 per cent of Britain's Indian restaurants. The company has distribution deals in 40 countries but is keen to grow sales by developing the brand worldwide.

Over the past 10 years, Patak's has added new product capabilities by buying factories including a frozen food plant in Dundee in 1997 and a chilled foods business in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire in 2005.

Chairman and chief executive Kirit Patak, who joined the business in 1970, described the company's growth over the past decade as "a remarkable success story".

He added: "Our goal is to be the world's leading supplier of authentic Indian food and we have exciting plans for the future development of the business.

"We have, therefore, felt it appropriate to retain Rothschild to assist us in reviewing how best to achieve these ambitions."