CI Traders has issued a statement confirming it had held talks with Eldridge Pope abut a possible bid for the pub company.
Investors believe it will launch a £44m bid for the West Country operator.
CI Traders is prepared to go hostile if shareholders block a rival offer for part of Eldridge Pope from Michael Cannon whose offer closes tomorrow.
References: The Times 27/08/03 page 20 (Need to know), The Independent 27/08/03 page 17
