Investors in Candover Partners’ funds have begun to act as "kingmakers" in the future of the business by pressing for the UK buyout firm to be spun off from its listed parent, Candover Investments, which is being taken private, according to two sources close to the process.

Earlier this month, Candover Partners, the general partner, which manages the funds of its listed parent Candover Investments and other investors, said it was suspending investment activity for six months while it explored options for its future.