A LEADING film studios could be sold after it was confirmed it is in advanced talks with an international property developer.

Pinewood Studios could be sold after an agreement was reached with Aermont Capital, the investment adviser to real estate funds established by Perella Weinberg Partners, a New York-based merchant bank.

The offer, believed to be more than £300m, is a pre-conditional offer as the company completes its financing agreements for the studios based in Pinewood Road, Iver Heath.

Ivan Dunleavy, Chief Executive of Pinewood, said: "Pinewood has grown in recent years into a global operation which sits at the forefront of the UK's creative industries. We believe that we have found the right partner for the business and one that shares our long-term vision for the future of the group.

"Pinewood's continuing commitment to the UK's creative industries remains as strong as ever. Staff and customers can be assured that in this new strategic partnership our priority will be to not only maintain, but build on the world class provision of services."

In February Pinewood confirmed it was carrying out a strategic review of its structure, in which it spoke to interested parties about acquiring the company.

The studios was given permission following a planning inquiry in 2014 to expand its site, which involved doubling the size of the site over three phase, the first of which was completed last month.

Leon Bressler, Managing Partner of Aermont, said: "Pinewood is an iconic brand at the heart of the global creative industries.

"The transformation of the business in recent years has been considerable and it is clear that there are more ambitions to be realised. We are excited about the potential to support the business as an independent company.

"Aermont has a strong track record in operating companies with a real estate component. We look forward to working with Pinewood's management team to deliver their compelling strategy for future growth, both in the UK and internationally."