This looks far from over. Tesco has bid for Dobbies as they want non grocery business and cannot open many more stores. It is partly their answer to Homebase. The Hunter group who own the largest Scottish garden centre business does not want Tesco to get it and have doubled their stake to 20% (announced today). It could take some time yet to resolve this with the price moving higher day by day.

Hnter has lifted his stake from 20% to 22.4%. When it gets to 25% is a deal blocker for Tesco and they have to fight it out. There has been plenty of buying over the last few days. It looks like Hunter has been collecting stock in small parcels.

With Tesco announcing a slowdown in food related profits it needs to move further into the non food business. Dobbies could still have plenty more upside.

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LONDON (Thomson Financial) - Scottish entrepreneur Sir Tom Hunter has made further share purchases in Dobbies Garden Centres PLC, lifting his stake to over 22.4 pct.

Hunter acquired a further 102,500 shares in Dobbies at a price of 1,845 pence a share through his West Coast Capital Ltd investment vehicle.

Hunter is seen as a potential counterbidder to Tesco PLC's agreed 1,500 pence a share cash offer, which values the Edinburgh-based chain at 155.6 mln stg.

Last week, sources told Thomson Financial News that Hunter is 'reviewing his options' and has not ruled out a full bid.

Alternatively, he could look to block Tesco which needs 75 pct acceptances to gain control of the business.

The Scottish tycoon has been expanding aggressively in the UK garden centre industry through his investment vehicle, West Coast Capital.

Last year, a Hunter-led consortium acquired Wyevale Garden Centres for 311 mln stg.

Earlier this year, Hunter purchased Blooms of Bressingham Holdings PLC for 30 mln stg. He also has a 29.9 pct stake in Flying Brands Ltd, the Jersey-based home shopping group that owns Flying Flowers.

Some big trades this afternoon. If it is hunter, then it should be enough to take over the 25% and stop Tesco. If Tesco want Dobbies then they may have to raise their bid for the company or perhaps Hunter will bid now.

can anyone advise of the latest position with Tesco's 15 bid?

looks like game over s/price below 15 the company doing there best to drive it down and doing a good job at it.