Hugh Osmond is expected to launch a bid for Six Continents before the pubs-to-hotels group has a chance to demerge.
He is believed to have held talks with the Takeover Panel over the structure of his proposal which could value the group at up to £8bn.
Osmond, who floated PizzaExpress, is thought to have approached potential several trade and financial buyers that could become partners.
References: Financial Times 19/02/03 page 1, page 20, The Guardian 19/02/03 page 22, The Times 19/02/03 page 23, page 24 (Commentary & Need to know), The Daily Telegraph 19/02/03 page 36, The Independent 19/02/03
