Rapid7, Inc. (NasdaqGM:RPD) is exploring options with its investment bankers after attracting acquisition interest from buyout firms, according to people familiar with the matter. The Boston-based company, which is being advised by Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan, is in early-stage talks with private equity firms including Advent International, L.P., Bain Capital, LP and EQT AB (publ) (OM:EQT), and is exploring a potential sale, the sources said, requesting anonymity as the discussions are confidential. The discussions may not lead to a deal and Rapid7 could opt to stay independent, the sources added.

This is not the first time Rapid7 has attracted acquisition interest. Last year, the company explored its options after fielding interest from potential suitors, Reuters reported, before the talks fizzled out. Rapid7, Advent, Bain, EQT and JPMorgan declined to comment.

Goldman Sachs did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. The discussions come at a time when Rapid7 faces pressure from activist investor Jana Partners, which has built a 5.8% stake in the company and urged it to explore a sale.