Milan-listed Newlat Food said it had made a non-binding offer for Hovis, the 134-year old British bread maker, which is owned by Premier Foods and The Gores Group.
Buying Hovis, one of Britain's best known bread brands, would allow Newlat to expand its consolidated turnover to €1 billion, the Italian group said.
Newlat, which makes bakery, dairy and baby food products, said an acquisition of Hovis could create cross-selling opportunities by using the British company's production and distribution network.
The Italian company, which also makes products with the Buitoni brand under a licensing deal with Nestle, said it planned to increase its exposure to the British market.
Newlat also said it was awaiting feedback from Hovis shareholders.
One source close to the matter had told Reuters that Newlat was interested in Hovis, and said the company was prepared to spend around £100m to buy the bread maker.
The source also said there were others interested in Hovis, including private equity funds.
Newlat said it had submitted its offer "in the context of a non-exclusive competitive auction."
