MYSTERY surrounds takeover talks involving the petrol retailer Save Group. Share prices have been rising and falling as speculation grows as to who could be behind the attempted takeover. Texaco, Elf Oil and Kuwait Petroleum have all denied an interest in the company.

Save confirms there has been an unsolicited approach and the company's board is in 'preliminary discussions' to decide on a response. Shell, Esso and BP all have exploration operations and it is believed they may now wish to buy extra retail capacity to sell all their oil.