DundeeWealth Inc. today acknowledged that a special committee of the board, independent of Dundee Corp., has been formed in response to unsolicited expressions of interest from third parties to acquire the company.

DundesWealth says the committee has retained independent professional advisors.

“A process has been established which includes confidentiality agreements being entered into and the provision of a framework for due diligence,” DundeeWealth stated in a news release.

The company also noted that “its controlling shareholder has not expressed an intention to sell.”

DundeeWealth made the announcment at the request of Market Surveillance on behalf of the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Last week shares of DundeeWealth soared to an all-time high on more speculation that the company could be sold.

Companies said to be interest in the wealth management firm include Power Financial Corp., Manulife Financial Corp., CI Financial Income Fund and Bank of Nova Scotia.

When Scotiabank acquired an 18% stake in DundeeWealth in September, it also gained the right to match any offer for the company.

Toronto-based DundeeWealth is controlled by Ned Goodman and his family through his stake in Dundee Corp.