Biscuit buyers sought after talks crumble

New bidders are being sought for Jaffa Cakes and Hobnobs firm United Biscuits after talks with a Chinese food giant hit the buffers, it was reported today.

The private equity owners of British snack maker United – which also counts Hula Hoops and McCoy’s crisps among its brands – are understood to have ended exclusive discussions with Shanghai-based Bright Food after the group failed to come through with a formal offer.