Gartmore UK's hedge fund managers are likely to play a critical role in deciding which of the potential bids wins the business, according to bankers.

The influence on the sale of Roger Guy, the group's most significant hedge fund manager, is underlined by the fact he has hired Soditic, a London corporate finance boutique, to advise him on the bidders and their offers. Guy is neither a director in the firm nor a shareholder, nor is he proposing to lead a management buy-out. His interest is in ensuring that a new owner provides the best possible working and financial conditions.