Home Depot May Acquire UK Chain

London, England, Jan. 5–Shares in British home improvements retailer Kingfisher Plc surged over five percent on Monday after a weekend press report rekindled talk that Home Depot is considering a takeover.
Kingfisher and Home Depot both declined to comment on Sunday. The Observer newspaper said Home Depot was considering an eight-billion pound ($14.3 billion) bid for Kingfisher, citing Wall Street investment bankers.

Speculation about a takeover has swirled around Kingfisher since it divested its electricals arm Kesa in July, with Home Depot seen as a likely suitor if it chooses to expand in Europe.