UK retailer Marks and Spencer is remaining silent on rumours that it is considering making a counter bid for the UK’s third largest grocery chain, Sainsbury’s.

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Following confirmation that a consortium of private equity firms, led by CVC, is mulling a bid for Sainsbury’s, rumours of further interest have been rampant.


According to a report in The Guardian, M&S chief executive Stuart Rose is said to be “cautiously” considering the possibility. However, the UK food and fashion retailer told just-food that it is not commenting on the rumours.


“A lot has been written in the papers, but at this stage it’s all just speculation. We don’t comment on such rumours,” the company said.


Further reports have suggested that Allan Leighton, chairman of the Royal Mail and former Asda boss, has been approached by the private equity consortium. It is rumoured that he has said he is interested in working with them, were their bid to be successful.

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