“WE’RE not going bust”. That was the message from a boss at Bournemouth Borough Council’s outsourcing partner, Mouchel, when he addressed a business breakfast meeting at the BIC.

Tony Williams told those at the Bournemouth and Poole councils’ event that the proposed takeover of Mouchel by Interserve would not affect the relationship with the council, something the authority itself has been keen to force home.

He also said that two or three more departments could be taken over by Mouchel to join the four it has been running since the tail end of 2010.

After the meeting, a Mouchel spokesman said it was “currently reviewing how [the council] delivers a number of its services”.

He added: “Mouchel is in advanced discussions with one possible offeror.

“The making of any offer by the preferred possible offeror remains subject to a number of preconditions, including the satisfactory completion of mutual due diligence. We are continuing to work through this process.

“Takeover rules prevent us from commenting further about any potential purchase.

“However, we can say that Mouchel remains focused on maximising shareholder value while at the same time seeking the best long-term outcome for our people, our customers and the company.”

Mouchel signed a £150million, 10-year deal with the council in December to run its revenues, benefits, ICT, and facilities management departments.

Interserve came in with a bid for Mouchel after construction company Costain made several approaches – it still insists that it is not out of the running, despite Mouchel being in advanced talks with Interserve.

Mouchel is now in the midst of the due diligence process with Interserve.

Council leader Cllr Peter Charon has previously told the Daily Echo that it was “business as usual” as far as the relationship with Mouchel was concerned.