Marsh & McLennan, owners of Kroll, the forensic accountancy agency, have rejected advances by corporate security firm BC Partners, saying they are not yet ready to sell.

In the past month Marsh has reportedly received 'informal inquiries' over Kroll, including a letter expressing interest from the private equity group BC Partners, The Independent reported.

Marsh has however not ruled out a future sale following an internal review by its chief executive Brian Duperreault, who was appointed in January.

BC Partners made the move for the forensic accountancy agency following its appointment of David Buchler, Kroll's former European chairman.

Kroll has a turnover of £1bn, with 4,200 employees in 33 countries, and carries out work including forensic accounting, M&A due diligence and IT security. Marsh bought the business for $1.9bn in 2004.