Wilson Bowden takeover rumoured

Scottish financier Sir Tom Hunter is set to table a £2bn plus cash offer for housebuilder Wilson Bowden, according to The Times newspaper today.

The report claims that Hunter, backed by HBOS, faces competition from George Wimpey and Barratt Developments - all of whom are expected to table bids for Wilson Bowden as early as today.

The news comes only a week after Hunter secured the backing from Crest Nicholson’s board for a £713m offer for the property developer.

Four months ago Hunter sealed a £1.1bn takeover of McCarthy & Stone.