NORTH-EAST housebuilder Bellway last night dismissed claims it had made a takeover approach to rival Wilson Bowden as "pure speculation".
Leicester-based Wilson Bowden yesterday confirmed it was in talks with a number of parties regarding a possible offer for the company.
Reports suggested that Newcastle-based Bellway, George Wimpey and Redrow had all shown an interest.
A spokesman for Bellway told The Northern Echo: "It is pure speculation and we never comment on speculation."
Wilson Bowden did not name the interested parties, but stressed that discussions with the parties were at a very early stage.
Shares in Wilson Bowden yesterday jumped more than 14 per cent or 267p to £20.98.
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