Wealth manager Perpetual says it is not aware of a reported private equity takeover bid that has prompted a spike in its share price.

Perpetual shares were up by $1.80, or 8.3 per cent, at $23.44 at 1240 AEST, after media reports that at least one private equity group was preparing to make a takeover offer for the company.

But Perpetual on Thursday said it was not aware of any takeover offer.

“Perpetual is not aware of any information relevant to the article and has no reason to believe that the article is anything other than mere speculation,” the company said in a statement.

Perpetual is currently conducting a review of its business, with the help of an international consulting business.

No decisions had been made as a result of the review, the company said.