Goals Soccer Centres, the publicly-listed five-a-side football facility operator, has revealed that it is the subject of a takeover approach from Canada-based Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan.

In response to media speculation, the group said it had received a preliminary approach from the pension fund but could not confirm that an offer would be submitted for the business.

The announcement comes just over a month after Goals Soccer Centres reported a "year of progress and change" in 2011, with sales and operating profits increasing 9 per cent.

However, the group said the only new addition to its estate in 2012 would be its first modular-build site in Chester to evaluate the new concept and to focus on "strong cash generation".

Details: www.goalsplc.com