Sir Dick Olver sounded out for chairman role at Urenco

Former chairman of BAE Systems Sir Dick Olver is one of several big name businessmen who have been invited for talks about taking on the role of chairman of Urenco.

The shareholders of the nuclear fuel company, which is part-owned by the British and Dutch governments, have spent 2015 seeking a replacement for current chair Sir John Hood.

The development was first reported by Sky News, which said it was currently unclear whether Sir Olver would accept the role if offered to him.

For several years there has been talk of taking the group private, but the Dutch government has not given its approval for a sale.

A final decision by the British government about the potential sale of its shares has yet to be made, but it plans to continue to progress its preparations for a sale, it the department for Business, Innovation and Skills told Sky News.

Analysts have estimated the government's stake to be worth £3bn.