PUB giant Marston’s has been approached by a US private equity firm over a potential takeover.

The potential cash offer by Platinum Equity Advisors came as all Marston’s 1,368 pubs remained shut to customers due to the national coronavirus lockdown.

Marston’s pubs locally include the Anchor at Redbridge, the Cricketer’s Arms in Woolston and the One O Four and the Pitcher and Piano in Southampton.

In a statement to investors, Marston’s said: “The board will evaluate the proposal with its advisers and a further announcement will be made in due course.

“There can be no certainty that any firm offer will be made for the company, nor as to the terms on which any firm offer might be made.”

Marston's plan to cut jobs due to coronavirus

Earlier this month, the group said it posted £54million in revenues for the three months to January, sliding dramatically from £1.17billion in the same period a year earlier due to the pandemic.

It said it was nevertheless focused on its strategic development and would use £233m collected from a joint venture with Carlsberg UK to reduce debts.

Last year, it merged its brewing operations – which include Ringwood Brewery – with Carlsberg UK to create a £780m joint venture, in which it now retains a 40 per cent stake.

Carlsberg to merge with Ringwood Brewery owner Marston's despite concerns

In October, Marston’s announced plans to cut 2,150 jobs across its pubs due to the impact of the virus.

Before the pandemic, a raft of UK pubs firms were the target of private investors who believed there was strong growth and profit potential in the sector.