Speculation about a private equity bid for Whitbread Group was swirling around the financial markets again today making the leisure giant leading gainer in London.

Shares in the company rallied 10.4%to £19.19 as rumours circulated of a possible £23 a share bid.

Whitbread is seen as a potential private equity break up candidate because of its diverse portfolio of assets, which includes the Premier Travel Inn hotels, David Lloyd Lesiure Clubs and Beefeater and Brewers Fayre pubs.

Whitbread has been selling pubs and restaurants such as Pizza Hut and TGI Friday’s to focus on its budget hotels and coffee shops, as well as returning cash to shareholders.

By Daniel Thomas

Whitbread to return £350m to shareholders>>

Strong hotel growth drives profit at Whitbread>>

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