FINANCIAL services group Tenon yesterday said it was carrying out a "strategic review of the business" as it reported a fall in pre-tax profits.

Tenon, which employs 80 people at its office in Sunderland, said it had received a number of expressions of interest in the company that it was exploring.

"We cannot at this stage predict with certainty the precise outcome of the review, but we are convinced that its impact will be beneficial for all those who believe in the value of Tenon," said chairman Neil Johnson.

"A transaction is only one of the alternatives that may prove attractive, as our group is well-positioned and has substantial potential value."

Tenon yesterday reported a fall in pretax profits to £2m for the six months to December 31, compared to £4.2m a year earlier. Turnover increased to £52.1m from £47.2m in the same period.