Green denies seeking OFT advice

STORES group Marks & Spencer rose 4p to 361 1/2p in anticipation that Philip Green will add more cash to his £8.3bn offer.

Billionaire Green plans to do the rounds with investors this week to find out what price they are seeking.

New M&S chief executive Stuart Rose will also talk to a handful of key shareholders.

Green is in no rush to lift his offer. He was enjoying 'a walk and a bit of sun' in London's Eastcastle Street yesterday, checking out the local 'rag-trade' entrepreneurs.

His Revival bid vehicle was forced to issue a statement to deny reports that he has sought guidance from the Office of Fair Trading over competition issues arising from his bid. Green has a big share of the clothing market through his ownership of Bhs and Arcadia.

Rose was keeping his head down and trying to get to grips with M&S business. Stores chief Vittorio Radice is out of the country on business, amid talk that he will soon be out of a job.