Reports Say Google Latest to Ogle dunnhumby

Google is exploring the possibility of a joint bid for Tesco loyalty data firm dunnhumby, partnered by UK-based investment firm Permira, reports Sky News.

At this point, it is not clear if Google itself would get involved or whether the bid would be arranged through an associate firm like its Google Capital growth equity fund. The search giant and Android creator has already partnered with Permira's Silicon Valley team as joint owners of educational analytics business Renaissance Learning.

Permira and Google have so far declined to comment on the reports.

Declared or rumoured runners in the race to buy the pioneering firm include UK-based former Tesco executive and Dixons boss John Browett; WPP Group working with General Atlantic Partners; venture capital firm TPG; Nielsen; CVC; US equity firm Hellman & Friedman; Clayton Dubilier & Rice, where former Tesco chief exec Sir Terry Leahy is a partner; private equity firms Silver Lake and Warburg Pincus; and Oracle. This apparent monied melee could drive the price of the subsidiary back up - initial rumours suggested a figure of around £2bn but following the dissolution of the firm's JV with US supermarket chain Kroger 2 months ago, some analysts have speculated that may have halved.

Founded in 1989 by husband and wife team Edwina Dunn and Clive Humby, the company is online at www.dunnhumby.com .