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Industry insiders have stated the £150m injection from Texas Pacific Group announced yesterday (2 June) will not be the last, as analysts say equity firms have begun to circle the beleaguered lender.

One commentator said: "We are seeing equity lenders openly viewing Bradford & Bingley with a view to taking the assets and selling them. The net asset value (Nav) remains strong so they are a good bet from that point of view.

"In view of this, they are worth a punt however they will not get through this in and maintain their current form."

Justin Urquehart Stewart, marketing director for Seven Asset Management, said Bradford & Bingley was likely to be acquired "bit by bit". However, he said the buy-to-let lender had not helped itself by misleading the City on its rights issue.

He said: "As soon as they did that, they annoyed analysts across the investment sector and shot themselves in the foot. They broke the cardinal rule."

Bradford & Bingley said they do not comment on market speculation.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that Bradford & Bingley's shareholders may opt to vote against its re-priced rights issue, forcing management to go back to the initial plans. (See story.)