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.

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.