Humberts, the AIM-listed estate agency that is 20%-owned by Vincent Tchenguiz, has terminated takeover discussions.

The firm revealed that it was in talks with parties interested in part of all of the business in February this year when it reported a £17m post-tax loss in the year to 30 September 2007 and the axing of a final dividend.

Humberts first received a preliminary approach in January.

However, Humberts announced today that the board had not been able to reach agreement on terms of a formal offer.

As a consequence, all discussions have now ceased.