Exercise brand Peloton is attracting bid attention from the likes of Amazon and Nike, according to reports.

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They have been attracted by the soaring sales of Peloton's exercise bikes and treadmills during the pandemic.

Suitors have not been put off by the return to gyms post-lockdown, which has left the firm worth less than a fifth of its peak $50bn valuation.

There have also been recent PR disasters when TV characters had heart attacks when using Peloton machines.

Amazon declined to confirm or deny whether it was considering making an offer for the US exercise equipment maker.

When the rumour was reported in the Wall Street Journal on Friday it sent shares in the firm surging more than 30% in after-hours trading.

The Financial Times first reported Nike's decision to look at a deal.

"We don't comment on rumours and speculation," an Amazon spokesperson told the BBC, while Peloton and Nike did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The once-stock market favourite has seen its shares slump in recent months, losing more than 80% of its value in the past year.

When the Covid pandemic led to gyms closing in 2020, demand for Peloton's exercise equipment and remote workout classes jumped, sending its share price soaring.

However, as lockdowns eased the appetite for its bikes and treadmills has dwindled.