Sir Tom grows Dobbies stake

Published on Tuesday 21 August 2007 12:15

ANALYSTS say Sir Tom Hunter's acquisition of a further 60,000 shares in garden centre firm Dobbies is a bid to protect his own position in the sector.

Sir Tom, who owns the Midlothian-based firm's main rival Wyevale, splashed out a further 882,600 to buy 60,000 more shares in Dobbies, taking his holding in the group up to 29.31 per cent.

The move fuelled speculation that he will look to make life difficult for Tesco, which is in the process of agreeing a 155.6 million takeover of the Lasswade firm.

He will now be in the position to block any Tesco moves to expand the group, which Tesco wants to be a "national brand".

As well as Wyevale, Sir Tom has stakes in gardening firms Blooms of Bressingham and Flying Brands.