The first signs of top entrepreneurs bidding for companies with falling share values was seen yesterday.

Entrepreneur Sir Tom Hunter has made a takeover bid for the Jersey-based home shopping business Flying Brands.

Flying Brands, whose businesses include Flying Flowers, mail order plant operation Gardening Direct and cards company Greetings Direct, said yesterday it had received a "very preliminary approach" from Hunter's investment vehicle West Coast Capital.

Hunter bought his 29.9 per cent stake at 312.5p a share in November 2006 but its value has shrunk, falling to a low of 41.5p a share. Yesterday the shares closed up 17.5p, a 32.41 per cent gain, at 71.5p.

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