Dunne may lead Jurys Doyle consortium bid

AN individual bid for the Jurys Doyle Hotel Group by property developer Sean Dunne is still thought unlikely despite his decision to purchase further shares in the group in the last 48 hours, to increase his share to almost 28%.

However, latest speculation suggests he could make a bid for the business as part of a consortium with a private equity firm. One such firm, Orion, has been mentioned as being interested.

A link-up between Mr Dunne and London-based investors, the Reuben brothers - previously linked with the Jurys Doyle takeover saga through the Precinct consortium - had been mooted. But the Takeover Panel told the Reubens this week they could not take part in a fresh bid due to links with the aborted approach from Precinct, owner of Gresham group.