UNCOOKED ALERT: Countrywide plc said to ...

Countrywide PLC, the listed estate agency company, has come under the spotlight amid takeover talk.

People following the situation said a mystery predator is circling Countrywide - whose brands include John D Wood, Hamptons International and Bairstow Eves - and a deal may be "in the offing".

However, these people following the situation didn't disclose the identity of the company interested in buying Countrywide...