Shares in the Macclesfield group ticked up 1.5 per cent as the boss of one potential bidder, Intertek Group confirmed his interest.
Wolfhart Hauser, chief executive of the country's largest consumer goods testing company, told Bloomberg that Intertek was a potential bidder.
He said: "You can be sure Intertek is looking at it. It's an interesting business."
He speculated Bodycote may have received more than 50 approaches for the unit. Trade and private equity buyers are said to be interested.
It is understood that the sale process, which is being handled by KPMG, is still at an early stage. A source said: "We're a couple of weeks away from the deadline for the first round of bids, and that will be the key point.
"There has been significant levels of interest, though."
The testing business has operations worldwide, including sites in Eccles, Warrington and Lancaster.
Since the turn of the year Bodycote has acquired laboratories in Ireland, France and Canada.
It now has more than 100 laboratories worldwide and serves the aerospace, pharmaceutical, metals and motor industries. It generated revenue of £175.3m last year.
Analysts believe Bodycote will use up to £200m of the proceeds to return to share-holders in the form of a special dividend, while investing the rest in its core heat treatment businesses and seeking further acquisitions.
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