Beatties in rival takeover talks

A West Midlands company is in talks with a rival firm which could see it being taken over.

The Wolverhampton-based Beatties, which has stores across the country, is in discussions about a possible offer from House of Fraser.

A joint statement from the companies said talks were at an advanced stage but an offer was not certain.

"A further announcement will be made as and when it is appropriate," the statement said.

Beatties began life as a drapers' store and has sites in Aylesbury, Birkenhead, Burton, Huddersfield, Northampton and Worcester among others.

In April the company announced its profits had fallen by £1m to £4.2m.