The Co-operative Group has said it will put in a renewed bid for 632 branches being sold by Lloyds Banking Group.

A takeover vehicle run by former Northern Rock boss Gary Hoffman today confirmed a bid for 632 branches being sold by Lloyds Banking Group.

Weakness in shares of advertising giant WPP added to ongoing oil price worries today as the the FTSE 100 Index dipped into negative territory.

British leisure firm De Vere has pulled out of the bidding war for budget hotel chain Premier Lodge, it announced tonight.