Ask target for takeover
Pizza chain Ask Central today confirmed that it had received a takeover approach following speculation that Whitbread was interested in buying the company.
However, Whitbread has denied that it is the company behind the approach.
"We already have a very good pizza business. Besides, the joint venture we have with Yum! for Pizza Hut precludes us from buying any other pizza businesses," said a Whitbread spokesman.
Ask said that it was too early to say if the approach would amount to a firm offer.
"These discussions are at an early stage and there can be no guarantee that an offer will be forthcoming," it said in a statement.
by Christina Golding
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