Cablecom, a private equity-backed Swiss cable company, is in discussions with three investment banks to advise on a possible $1bn (€838m) flotation or sale, according to a source close to one of the banks.

The firm is believed to be close to appointing Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse First Boston, which recently refinanced Cablecom's bank debt with a Sfr1.28bn (€825m) high-yield bond issue.