Kingfisher's proposed acquisition of Mr Bricolage was thrown into doubt today after it emerged that board members and major shareholders of the French DIY chain have misgivings about the deal.
Kingfisher announced last April that it had started negotiations with Mr Bricolage, in a bid to grow its presence in France, where it already operates Castorama and Brico Dépôt.

In the £200m deal Kingfisher would buy Mr Bricolage from its network of franchisees, ANPF, which holds a 41.9% stake, and the founding Tabur family, which owns 26.2%.

However, shares of Mr Bricolage on the French stock exchange were suspended at the company's request on Monday pending an announcement, and Kingfisher today released a statement.

It said: "Kingfisher has been made aware that both the majority of the board of Mr Bricolage and the ANPF, a major shareholder of Mr Bricolage, have reservations in relation to the transaction but has yet to receive clarification of their positions.

"The Tabur family, another major shareholder and signatory to the agreement, has confirmed that they remain committed to the transaction.

"The implications for the transaction are currently uncertain. Kingfisher will update investors in due course."
Kingfisher's full-year results will be announced next Tuesday.