Superior Food Services is now expected to sell to a private equity firm after two of the most likely strategic buyers reportedly left the sales process. Metcash Limited (ASX:MTS) had hired investment bank Goldman Sachs to consider buying Superior Food Services, but is understood to be out of the race. Also out of the running is Coles Group Limited (ASX:COL).

Earlier, sources had said three suitors remained in the mix to buy the business from Quadrant Private Equity Pty Limited.