BANGOR – The president of bankrupt Kent Inc., a manufacturer of infant and toddler sleepwear, notified his 120 employees in Fort Kent this week that he has “guarded optimism” about the company’s future.

Michael Gans, in memos to employees Wednesday and Thursday, said he has been in negotiations with four companies that may invest in Kent or buy it. He said that, “while we don’t have a signed check,” he hopes to receive confirmation from one of the suitors in the next couple of weeks.

Kent is scheduled to be back in federal bankruptcy court on Feb. 28 to lay out its next step – announce a new investor or buyer, extend short-term financing while a deal is worked out, or state that the business is closing.

Because of the increased interest in the company from investors, Gans said Thursday it’s likely he’ll receive an extension of short-term financing so that he can close a deal.

One possible investor or buyer has visited the mill a few times in the last six months, Gans said, and there are “synergies between his company and our company.” At least one of the other three potential investors or buyers will walk through the facility in early March and then return to Gans’ office in New York City to try to strike a deal.

“While there are no absolute guarantees available at this time, I am confident of our ultimate success,” said Gans in a memo Thursday.

Gans, in a telephone interview from his office in New York City, said he could not name the four interested companies. But he said he continues to operate the business as if it will not be shut down.

Kent has a contract with Creative Apparel in Belfast to produce Kevlar jumpsuits for the U.S. Air Force, and orders are picking up for blanket sleepers for toddlers and sleep-and-playwear outfits for infants under licensing agreements with Health-Tex and other brand names.

“I want to remind everyone that our contract to make jump suits is for two years and Costco is in the process of increasing its blanket sleeper order to include its stores in the United Kingdom and Asia,” said Gans in his Wednesday memo to employees. “New piece goods have been ordered and should start arriving by the end of the month.”

Gans said he understands the frustrations being felt by employees who wonder how much longer they will have a job.

“I don’t like to live this way, either,” he said. “But it is my firm belief that we will be around for a long time to come.”