Shares in Northern Foods were up on the FTSE All Share in morning trading after the company confirmed that Boparan Holdings Limited is considering taking it over.

Northern Foods, which owns brands such as Goodfella's pizzas, said that Boparan had sent it a letter requesting access to "certain information pursuant to Rule 20.2 of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers".

The letter did not have any details of a potential offer or price for any takeover being considered.

Northern Foods said that there was no certainty any offer would be made b Boparan.

The company added that it believed its proposed merger with Greencore Group, announced last month, offered "substantial benefits" for its shareholders, customers and employees.

By 09:20 shares in Northern Foods were up 7.44 per cent on the FTSE All Share to 65.00 pence per share.