The founder and CEO of Cheltenham-based Superdry, Julian Dunkerton, has been talking to a US investor.

He is understood to be in discussions with Davidson Kempner, which owns Oak Furnitureland, as he puts together an offer to take the fashion chain private, as reported by Retail Gazette.

Talks are at an early stage, with no guarantee of a formal agreement between Julian Dunkerton and the private equity firm, which has previously backed other UK retailers, including New Look and Jojo Maman Bebe.

Davidson Kempner is one of several firms considering his proposals to buy the majority stake in Superdry. It was reported earlier this month that he was in discussions with Rcapital, which previously owned Paperchase, and Laura Ashley owner, Gordon Brothers, about backing his take-private bid, as reported by Retail Gazette.

It has been a tough few months for Superdry. The retailer reported a 23.5% fall in half year sales at the end of January, which it said was impacted by the challenging consumer market, unseasonal autumn weather and the underperformance of its wholesale business.

Superdry's share price has fallen 64% over the past 12 months.

Dunkerton currently owns less than 30% of the fashion chain. He has until March 1 to announce whether he intends to make an offer for Superdry.