William Morrison Supermarkets, the UK's fourth-biggest food retailer, may 'soon' get a £9bn (EUR 13.18bn) takeover bid from private equity or property specialists, according to the Sunday Times. The newspaper said the England-based retailer might be the next target after buyout firms failed to take over rival Sainsbury last month. Any transaction will need the backing of chairman Ken Morrison, whose family owns a 15.5% stake in the group.

William Morrison Supermarkets, the UK's fourth-biggest food retailer, may 'soon' get a £9bn (EUR 13.18bn) takeover bid from private equity or property specialists, according to the Sunday Times. The newspaper said the England-based retailer might be the next target after buyout firms failed to take over rival Sainsbury last month. Any transaction will need the backing of chairman Ken Morrison, whose family owns a 15.5% stake in the group.

William Morrison Supermarkets has real estate assets valued at some £6 bn, which could be offered in sale and leaseback deals. Private equity firms are increasingly looking for retailers and hotel chain to push for such deals and get a quick return on their investments.