The company had been suggested as a possible Ted Baker bidder only last month and Sky News reported that it indicated it’s prepared to pay more than 150p a share for the business. 

Ted Baker’s shares were trading at less than 140p each on Monday morning, which was higher than Friday’s close but still short of ABG’s reported price level. That means it’s currently valued at just over £255 million.

That’s a lot higher than as recently as February when the shares changed hands for only around 80p each, but much, much lower than their all-time high in late 2015 when each share would set an investor back almost £29.

With ABG valued at almost $13 billion, Ted Baker would be a relatively small acquisition for it compared to one such as Reebok, which cost over €2 billion.

But despite its deep pockets, it’s not known for being prepared to over-pay to achieve its aims. Last year, for instance, its link-up with JD SportsTopshop

And, as mentioned, there has also been a report that ABG isn’t guaranteed to buy Ted Baker.

The Mail on Sunday said sources indicated the talks could take several weeks but the American giant “is said to be considering deals elsewhere” as well.

And while ABG operates internationally, its biggest focus is the buoyant US market. Ted Baker is available in the US but its own biggest market is the UK.

It’s unclear whether any other serious bidders are waiting in the wings should an ABG deal not happen. Private