Bloomberg reported, according to people with knowledge of the matter, that Oaktree Capital Management is close to hiring AlixPartners to advise on its efforts to take over Quiksilver.

Bloomberg said, as Quiksilver’s primary lender, Oaktree has the inside track on buying the company. However, Bloomberg said the surf-wear retailer also contacted potential private-equity buyers, according to people with knowledge of the discussions.

According to Bloomberg, AlixPartners will help Oaktree with research in bidding for the retailer’s assets and mapping out an operational plan.