Shares in online fashion retailer ASOS saw a rise yesterday as rumours circulated of a US company preparing a bid for a stake in the business. Financial website This Is Money said there was "vague talk" of a U.S. cash bid of approximately 50 pounds ($83) a share, possibly from a fellow e-commerce specialist such as eBay or Amazon.

Shares in ASOS were hit in June following a fire at its Barnsley distribution centre and a profits warning that wiped £1.2 billion off the company in a single day.