UK media specialist confirms takeover interest

British media and marketing specialist Aegis today became the latest focus of takeover interest after confirming it had received an approach worth £1.57bn (€2.32bn).

The group, which owns the Carat media buying and planning agency, joins a clutch of blue-chip and FTSE 250 Index firms to attract potential buyers.

London-based Aegis did not reveal the party behind the approach, which valued the company at 140p a share but was described as “preliminary in nature”.

US marketing group Omnicom and French advertising firm Havas have been mentioned as possible contenders, while UK-based WPP may also feature.

Aegis shares jumped 19% to 143.75p as traders signalled that more than 140p may be required to take out the UK business, which employs more than 7,000 people in 60 countries.