New twist in Pinewood takeover

Warren James Holdings, which owns a 115-strong chain jewellers, is understood to have acquired a 15 per cent stake in Pinewood, potentially threatening property firm Peel Holdings’ plans to take full control of the business.

Peel, run by property developer John Whittaker, agreed a 200p-a-share takeover of Pinewood in April, valuing the film studio at £96.1m.

The company, which also owns John Lennon airport in Liverpool and the new Salford Quays media development, said today it had secured acceptances from shareholders owning 63.3 per cent of the company, but it needs more than 75 per cent in order to take the firm off the stock market.