The board of Marks & Spencer (M&S) rejected today a final 400-pence-per-share bid from retail entrepreneur Mr Philip Green, saying that the offer undervalued Britain's top clothing retailer.
Mr Green's spokesman had no immediate comment, but the rejection is almost certain to bring an end to Mr Green's second campaign for the chain.
"The board believes that [Mr Green's bid vehicle] Revival's proposal for M&S of 400 pence per share continues to undervalue the group and its prospects significantly . . . accordingly, the board would not be prepared to recommend an offer [if made] at this [400p] level," M&S said in a statement.
Shares in M&S fell sharply on the news after reaching 20-week highs yesterday as the board began its examination of Mr Green's third indicative offer. By 8.17 a.m. the shares stood 3.33 per cent lower at 355-1/2 pence.