Search optimization company Yext to explore a sale

Yext, a maker of software that promotes companies’ information in online search directories and websites, is preparing to explore a sale after attracting takeover interest, according to people familiar with the matter.

Yext, which has a market value of about $600 million, has hired investment bankers to get ready to explore strategic alternatives, the sources said.

The sources cautioned that the New York-based company may not proceed with any deal. They asked not to be identified because the deliberations are confidential.