Shares in Debenhams rose on speculation of a bid from Hong Kong-based Dickson Poon, the owner of Harvey Nichols.

Dickson Poon, who has been linked to the sale of jewellery group Aurum, is thought to be more interested in luxury brands than department stores but shares at Debenhams rose 0.6%, or by 0.45p to 72.8p, on Thursday.