Roger Carr, the chairman of Mitchells & Butlers, is to step back from his role as adviser to Kohlberg, Kravis Roberts while it considers making a takeover approach for the pub and casual dining group.
According to reports, Carr intends to exclude himself from any discussions at KKR about M&B to avoid any potential conflict of interest.
The US private equity group is thought to have hired bankers at Credit Suisse to evaluate a potential offer for M&B, which has launched a strategic review.
KKR has not yet decided whether to press ahead with an offer for M&B, a process made more complex by problems currently inflicting global debt markets.
Rivals Blackstone and CVC Capital Partners have joined forces to work on a bid, and have appointed Lehman Brothers to assist them.
M&B launched its review after a £275m loss, relating to hedges taken out against its aborted £4.5bn property deal with R20.
It is thought the company could announce disposals or an outright sale.
Punch Taverns has already put forward a merger proposal.
