Rumours that the Sara Lee Corporation is considering buyout options have sent stock in the US consumer goods giant rising after a period of stagnation and slow decline.


The Financial Times recently reported that the group has attracted interest from a number of private equity groups who have been examining the possibility of a leveraged buyout.


The Financial Times report said that the board had been looking into offers to determine whether a satisfactory price could be reached.


When contacted by just-food, Sara Lee declined to comment on “rumour and speculation”.


Shares closed yesterday (4 October) at US$16.33, up from a close of $16.06 on Tuesday.