A number of suitors are eying up the creator of Lara Croft

The creator of Tomb Raider and Lara Croft said it was in early discussions with a small number of unnamed firms.

Eidos recently embarked on a strategic review after warning that it would fail to make a profit this financial year.

US-based games publishers such as Electronic Arts could be among those interested in making a bid.

Rough ride

Eidos has expanded overseas in recent years and has bases in Australia, Germany, France and Japan.

But the Wimbledon-based company has had a rough ride since early 2004 when its shares tumbled after it warned of a sluggish games market, particularly in the US.

However, shares in the group have risen by around 20% over the past week amid speculation that a bid may be on the horizon.

At the close of trade on Tuesday, Eidos shares were trading 1p higher at 108p.

The company said it did not expect to make any further announcements on the talks until it releases its annual results in September.