In the latest twist of the imminent Jaguar and Land Rover sale, Ford has hired accounting firm KPMG to examine the financials of the two premium British carmakers. The move is necessary to prepare the reports in a format suitable for would-be buyers, reports the Sunday Times.

"KPMG's main task will be giving a clear picture of Jaguar and Land Rover's performance as businesses separate from the influence of Ford," the source reported, adding that the accounting firm will also focus on any pension liabilities that may be due.

It was revealed earlier that Ford had hired investment banks Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to oversee the sale of Jaguar and Land Rover, and was even in the process of conducting talks with several other carmakers including Fiat Group.

Also thrown into the equation are private equity firms Cerberus, Blackstone and Bank One Corporation, who are also interested in the sale, the latter with former Ford CEO Jacques Nasser as a senior partner.