Clayton Dubilier & Rice, a US-based buyout firm, is preparing to raise a $1bn (€789m) co-investments fund, as it reportedly mulls making a move for Dutch retailer Royal Ahold's US wholesale unit.

The decision to raise financing for a co-investments fund comes on the back of the success of some of its largest deals, such as French electrical retailer Rexel and US-based car hire company Hertz.