Apax Partners, a UK-based buyout firm, is negotiating with three investors about a sale of part of its management company as part of its plans to expand globally.

Apax declined to comment but sources aware of the talks said the three parties were spread across the world. Although the names of the parties were not disclosed, sources said an investor would come from the Middle East, Asia and North America and would help Apax tap into the local markets as it seeks to leapfrog rivals as the most successful buyout firm.