UNITED Biscuits - owner of Manchester-based McVitie's and other brands including Penguin, Jacob's crackers, Twiglets, KP and Hula Hoops - has made a secret bid to buy Mr Kipling from its rival Premier Foods, according to reports.

Premier Foods, which bought Mr Kipling with its acquisition of RHM two years ago, is understood to have rejected the £250m approach.

The reported move comes as Premier - also owner of Hovis bread and Branston Pickle - comes under pressure over its heavy debt burdens, which stood at £1.8bn at the end of June. Premier has seen its shares tumble nearly 90 per cent in the past year. Mr Kipling has estimated sales of around £200m.

United could approach Premier's lenders or shareholders directly to convince the firm to do a deal, it is suggested.



Since 2006, United has been owned by private equity firms PAI and Blackstone.