Builder eyeing up rival

FTSe 250 housebuilder Vistry is plotting a takeover of its troubled rival Countryside Partnerships.

Vistry boss Greg Fitzgerald is thought to be considering a swoop after Countryside put itself up for sale in June following the rejection of two bids from third-largest investor inclusive Capital.

inclusive offered as much as £1.5bn for the firm but Vistry is thought to be targeting a lower bid as the outlook for the housing market darkens amid spiralling inflation, the Sunday Telegraph reported.

The firm is betting a cutprice takeover of Countryside will allow it to reap the benefits of a house building boom that is expected under Liz Truss, who has vowed to cut red tape in the sector.