Wellcome Trust Takes An Interest In Marks And Spencer
Amid rumours of a possible takeover bid and merger approach it has been confirmed that the mystery buyer of 39 million Marks and Spencer shares is actually the Wellcome Trust - the largest charity in the UK which regularly pumps millions of pounds into biomedical research. So why has the charity taken an interest in Marks and Spencer?
The investment in Marks and Spencer is nothing more than a long term investment in a group which has hit turbulent times of late. There is no takeover plan, no secret moves with any counterparts and no mystery backer - a pure and simple investment in what the charity deems to be an undervalued asset.
However, this 2.5% stake in the group may attract the attention of possible suitors for Marks and Spencer in the future and put the Wellcome Trust in a very strong position. We have heard names such as Phillip Green, Warren Buffett and the Carrefour's Halley family mentioned as possible bidders but as yet nothing has happened.
Many in the City believe that the much loved Marks and Spencer group could actually be in play as Stuart Rose has revamped the inner workings of the company. While sales have been weak of late this is no worse than any other retailer on the high street and could see the group bounce back quicker than most when the economy turns.
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