Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Sears denies reports of pounds 460m bid

Saturday 05 December 1998 01:02 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

SEARS, the struggling retail group which includes the Miss Selfridge and Wallis chains of stores as well as the Freemans mail order business, yesterday denied reports that it had received a pounds 460m bid for the company. It described the suggestions as "entirely without foundation," adding that Sears "is not in any discussions with any party about a bid".

Sears, chaired by Sir Bob Reid (pictured), was forced to issue a statement after its shares rose sharply following reports that a venture capital group had made an approach for the company pitched at around 300p per share.

Analysts said a bid was possible for Sears, which spun off its Selfridges department store business in the summer. However, they said that, given the current fragility of high street trading, any potential bidders were likely to hold back until Sears provided an update on current trading. Sears shares closed 15 per cent higher yesterday at 233p.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in