Dragon Peter Jones in running for Blacks Leisure The loss-making company, which employs 3,600 staff in outlets and at its head office and distribution centre in Northamptonshire, put itself up for sale after failing to secure extra funding to turn around the business. The process is viewed as controversial because creditors do not have the opportunity to vote against the proposed asset sale - although the swift sale of the assets is necessary to enable the best price to be achieved. Mr Jones is the longest serving "dragon" on the BBC show. He is also chairman and chief executive of Phones International Group, the telecommunications business he founded in 1998. According to The Sunday Times Rich List he is estimated to be worth around £220m and has a business portfolio spanning mobile phones, television, media, leisure and property. Other potential bidders for Blacks Leisure include outdoor specialist Mountain Warehouse and retailer Edinburgh Woollen Mill. However, it remains unclear whether they are among the four remaining interested parties. Blacks Leisure shares rose ¼ to 1.38p on Thursday.