LDC and Isis Equity Partners are in the process of preparing portfolio companies for sale, potentially providing a twin boost to the sluggish market for lower mid-market sales.

LDC, the captive private equity arm of Lloyds Banking Group, has launched a beauty parade for Matrix Energy Services, which advises clients including Marks & Spencer, Tesco and Boots, on ways to reduce their energy consumption, according to three people familiar with the situation.