‘Casual’ Muji set to expand

Peter Thomas, chief executive at Design in Action parent group Lopex, has cooled talk of a takeover bid by Incepta, the parent of Lloyd Northover Citigate.

Thomas says Lopex will listen to Incepta’s advances following Incepta’s build up of an 11 per cent stake in Lopex. “Incepta says a hostile bid is not in its plans,” says Thomas.

There is potential for a fit between the two groups’ design, PR and direct marketing subsidiaries.

Incepta declines to comment on the suggestion of a takeover. But Thomas says: “If Incepta has plans then it should put them to us. If they are exciting and attractive, then who knows? If not, it won’t be beneficial to us or them.”