Safeway will welcome the news in this morning's national press that Philip Green has reiterated his interest in buying the UK's number four supermarket group.

Green, the only potential bidder who did not have to take part in the review by the Office of Fair Trading, was said to be considering his options, but countered: "The situation remains the same as it has for five months. I am waiting to see the outcome of Competition Commission's findings before I decide what to do."

Hardly conclusive, but a fair indication that Green still has Safeway in his sights. Safeway would obviously prefer there to be more than one bidder, to strengthen its hand.

Green is holding fire to this point, apart from a firm Morrisons offer no other bids are yet on the table.

Many suppliers to Safeway within the fresh produce industry have voiced a preference for a Green takeover, which is seen as the best chance for at least a short-term status quo in the supply base.

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