A German management consultancy is being lined up for a takeover bid from PwC, following interest in the company from Deloitte in the past.

Considered as one of Eurpope's biggest consultancy businesses, Munich-based Roland Berger eventually turned down the advances of Deloitte in 2010 - following lengthy discussions that ended with the partners preferring to maintain the independence of the company.

In March, it was understood that Roland Berger had raised the possibility of a sale with Deloitte.

However it is now understood that PwC is also keen on the company, according to reports in the Financial Times.

Founded in 1967, Roland Berger made revenues of €650m (£546m) and has around 2,700 employees distributed across its 51 offices.

Both Roland Berger and PwC were unavailable to comment on the matter.

The speculation follows a number of recent acquisitions by Big Four firms. Deloitte bought Monitor and Ernst & Young acquired J&M Management Consulting, while Brainnet was recently purchased by KPMG and PwC took over PRTM Management Consulting.