Exclusive negotiations between a group of unknown investors and Full Tilt Poker representatives to purchase the world’s second largest online poker brand are ongoing, but the mystery bidders are said to be only interested in acquiring FTP’s UK and Irish companies and European-facing licences, eGaming Review has learned.

With only four days to go before the Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC) chairs a public hearing in London next Tuesday to decide Full Tilt’s fate, a source connected to the suspended poker company told eGaming Review the potential transaction had “nothing to do with stateside activities” and that the prospective investors were still locked in exclusive discussions to buy part of the beleaguered brand.

“The purchase includes the family of companies in the UK and Ireland [including marketing and technology company Pocket Kings in Dublin] as well as the Alderney licences,” the source said. It is unclear whether the purchase would also include FTP’s French licence which was also suspended last month.

eGaming Review has also learned that lawyers from London-based firm Jeffrey Green Russell are representing FTP in a potential sale, as well as during next week’s hearing that is scheduled to last until Wednesday.

“The lawyers for the sale and the case are Jeffrey Green Russell, however they are bound by confidentiality [and will not reveal the investors in talks],” the source added. “The firm, as well as a number of solicitors, will represent Full Tilt at the hearing, if it goes ahead that is. It could still be challenged and a sale could still be completed [between now and next Tuesday].”

When contacted by eGaming Review, a partner at Jeffrey Green Russell refused to confirm or deny his and the firm’s involvement with FTP.

Following an indictment by the US government on 15 April, and its “subsequent failure to satisfy AGCC that its activities inside and outside the US were in order”, the regulator suspended Full Tilt’s licences on 29 June requiring the site to suspend all operations from the jurisdiction with immediate effect. The body has since publicly stated the purpose of next Tuesday’s hearing will be to “make public evidence from both AGCC and Full Tilt regarding the suspension of Full Tilt’s licence and to adjudicate the findings transparently”.

If the charges go against the operator it could then challenge the decision in court.