On the London market, shares in Somerfield slipped 2p to 112p in early trade.

BBC: Somerfield returns to profit

Somerfield's chief executive, Alan Smith, said the weaker sales showed the importance of the company's store refurbishment programme.

BBC: Somerfield returns to profit

Baugur and Iranian property tycoon Robert Tchenguiz confirmed earlier this year they are discussing a deal with Somerfield.

BBC: NEWS | Business | Baugur still eyes Somerfield bid

Somerfield is currently in the second year of a five-year turnaround which has seen many of its stores getting a face-lift.

BBC: Somerfield returns to profit

While on bail, Berry broke into a house in Pinhoe and left behind the Somerfield Whole Orange bottle which led to him being traced.

BBC: Juice bottle DNA nails burglar

Bristol-based Somerfield is set to release its full-year results on Wednesday.

BBC: NEWS | Business | Baugur still eyes Somerfield bid

In common with other major retailers, Somerfield, which runs 664 Somerfield stores and 560 Kwik Save sites, has suffered a drop in like-for-like sales as consumer spending slows down.

BBC: NEWS | Business | Baugur still eyes Somerfield bid

Baugur already owns 5% of Somerfield and is thought to be keen to merge the operations of Big Food group, which it bought last year, with the Somerfield group, which has the Kwik Save chain under its umbrella.

BBC: NEWS | Business | Baugur still eyes Somerfield bid