Ben Sherman, the label whose buttoned-down shirts were worn by The Beatles and became synonymous with the mod look of the 1960s, is exploring strategic options that could include a sale of the business, The Post has learned.

3i, the British private equity firm that owns a majority stake in Ben Sherman - which more recently has dressed Noel Gallagher of the rock band Oasis and MTV host Carson Daly - has hired Citigroup to field potential interest in the company, two people familiar with the situation said.

A book detailing Ben Sherman's financial profile has been distributed to possible suitors, these people continued.

With about $150 million in annual sales, converted from pounds at current exchange rates, and $23 million in profits, Ben Sherman could be worth $115 million to $160 million, said a person who has examined the company's confidential financial information.