British retail tycoon Philip Green has moved to quash speculation that he may be lining up another takeover approach for Marks & Spencer.
The Bhs and Arcadia boss told the London Stock Exchange that he 'wishes to make clear that he is not considering a possible offer for M&S'.
The statement comes amid continued speculation in the market about Mr Green's intentions, following his failed £9.1 billion approach in the summer.
Under takeover rules, Mr Green said he still reserved the right to make an offer for M&S if a third party announced a firm intention to bid.
The possibility of another approach from Mr Green's investment vehicle Revival Acquisitions has hung over M&S since last month, when time restrictions on a follow-up move were lifted by takeover authorities.
The speculation, which has linked Mr Green to the 15% stake in M&S owned by US shareholder Brandes, has kept the retailer's shares close to a two-year high. That is despite poor trading figures at the high street giant, which said in January that its annual profits had been hit by a poor Christmas.
