British Energy has received proposals for potential bids from three separate groups, keeping open the possibility of a contested auction for Britain’s primary nuclear generator, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations.

In a statement on Friday, British Energy said it had “received a range of proposals from several parties wishing to make a full offer for the company . . . These include proposals priced higher than the company’s closing share price on 15 May 2008 [680p].”