Somerfield stays silent

Somerfield, the supermarket group whose shares have soared in the last month, remained tight-lipped yesterday on speculation that it might be involved in a merger. "We never comment on market rumour," said David Simons, chief executive. Mr Simons said he planned to remain at Somerfield for the balance of his career, scotching rumours that he might move on. He was speaking as Somerfield reported a 12 per cent growth in half-year underlying profits to pounds 56.9m.

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