The Qatari-backed fund circling UK supermarket chain Sainsbury’s was today given less than two weeks to formalise its £10.6bn (€15.1bn) takeover interest.

Takeover talks between supermarket Sainsbury’s and its Qatari-backed suitor are said to have stalled as Middle Eastern investment fund Delta Two struggles to secure finance, a report suggested today.

Supermarket group Sainsbury’s today reported a slowdown in sales growth as it battled against poor summer weather and tough competition.

The Sainsbury family will hold out against a Qatari takeover unless funding of the supermarket chain’s pension scheme is resolved, it emerged today.

Supermarket giant Sainsbury’s is this week expected to recommend a revised takeover offer from Qatari investment group Delta Two, it was reported today.

The Qatar-backed fund circling UK retailer Sainsbury's said today that it was holding formal talks with the supermarket's pension fund guardians as it prepares a possible £10.6bn (€15.1bn) bid for the chain.

Northern Rock was once again the biggest loser on the London market today amid growing fears that it would struggle to secure a decent takeover bid.

Beleaguered mortgage bank Northern Rock was once again under pressure today amid concerns that it could struggle to find a buyer.

The takeover of Sainsbury’s moved a step closer today after the supermarket chain agreed to open its books to a potential bidder.

The London market held firm today as investor confidence rebounded following Friday’s heavy losses.

The UK’s third biggest supermarket Sainsbury’s is today reported to be seeking a “put up or shut up” order if it does not receive a firm offer from its Qatari-backed suitors this week.

Asia’s richest man is today reported to be eyeing a potential takeover of United Utilities’ electricity distribution business.

Barclays led a downturn for the London market today after fears grew about the banking group’s exposure to the US sub-prime mortgage market.

Qatar could make a £1bn (€1.47bn) swoop to buy almost a third of the London Stock Exchange, it was reported today.

Blue chips were back on a tentative road to recovery today as the London market enjoyed its second day of gains, buoyed by hopes of a US interest rate cut.

UK supermarket group Sainsbury’s has edged closer to opening its books to the Qatari-backed fund pursuing the retailer, it was reported today.

London’s blue chips were on the front foot today after a rally in US markets lifted investor sentiment on this side of the Atlantic.

London's blue chip stocks were in negative territory today, giving back some of the gains seen in last week's rally.

One of Sainsbury’s top 10 shareholders has sold off a significant chunk of its holding for far less than the 600p-a-share price proposed by the Qatari investment fund stalking the chain, it emerged today.

Strong mining stocks and a confident start to trading in New York helped the FTSE 100 Index close almost 2% higher today.

The FTSE 100 Index held firm above the 6100 barrier today as mining stocks provided some stability from the recent turmoil.

The FTSE 100 Index finished moderately higher after an unconvincing session for world markets today.

Talks between Sainsbury’s and the Qatari-backed fund interested in buying the supermarket chain today looked set to continue into next week.

The Qatari fund circling supermarket Sainsbury’s was today under pressure to increase its takeover offer after reportedly failing to win the support of a major shareholder.

The Qatari investment fund stalking supermarket Sainsbury’s today said that Asda veteran Tony Campbell would become chairman of the chain if its potential £10.4bn (€15bn) bid succeeds.

Sainsbury’s is facing its second takeover battle in less than six months after it was disclosed today that a Middle Eastern investment fund was setting its sights on the supermarket giant.

Growing concerns over the US economy sent UK blue chips plunging into negative territory today, with news of a raft of high profile potential takeovers unable to stem the losses.

Sainsbury’s suitor and Qatari royal family-backed investment vehicle Delta Two has been thrust into the limelight by its interest in snapping up the supermarket giant, but until now little has been known of the seemingly deep-pocketed fund.

Merger and acquisition activity failed to support the London market today as US sub-prime mortgage concerns again hit global markets.

Supermarket chain Sainsbury's said today it had received a takeover approach from its biggest shareholder, Qatari-backed investment fund Delta Two.

A Qatari-backed investment fund tightened its grip on Sainsbury’s today after revealing it now owned 25% of the supermarket chain.

The future of Sainsbury’s was back in the spotlight today after it emerged that a Qatari-backed investment group had built a 25% stake in the supermarket chain.

The FTSE 100 Index rallied today to recover earlier losses sparked off by selling in US bond markets and fears of higher interest rates.

The Qatari investment group involved in a raid on Sainsbury's shares has said it holds a stake of 17.4% in the British supermarket chain.

QATAR’S €30 billion investment fund is seeking a strategic stake in Sainsbury’s and is studying exactly how much of the British retailer it wants to buy, the emirate’s foreign minister said.