United Biscuits 'in secret bid for Premier Foods' Mr Kipling'

United Biscuits - owner of Manchester-based McVitie's and other brands including Penguin, Jacob's crackers, Twiglets, KP and Hula Hoops - has made a secret bid to buy Mr Kipling from its rival Premier Foods, according to reports.

Premier Foods, which bought Mr Kipling with its acquisition of RHM two years ago, is understood to have rejected the £250m approach.