What: The Financial Times reviews the Central Group, believed to being in talks to acquire Selfridges.

Why it is important: It is all about commenting rumours, however, the Thai group is well-known for acquiring top-end department stores including their real estate as a strategy.

The Financial Times gives in the rumour that has been spreading for the past week according to which Central Group is in talks to buy Selfridges, even though Central has denied such talks (it is understood that the purchase would be made directly by the Chirathivat family, for £4bn). Selfridges would be a jewel in the crown for Central, which also operates outside of Thailand Kadewe, La Rinascente, Illum and Globus, especially that they would also acquire the property, including the Oxford Street flagship one.

Today, Central Group is headed by a è-large family board which supervises a 11-member management team including Vittorio Radice, former CEO of Selfridges and La Rinascente. In the past, they tried to expand in China, without success, and are now fully focused on Vietnam and Europe.

The Thai retailer hoovering up Europe’s luxury department stores