Talks between Sainsbury’s and Delta Two look set to continue for another week after the supermarket decided to give the Qatari-backed fund more time to improve the terms of its £10.6bn takeover offer.

Aside from asking Delta Two to increase the 600p-a-share offer, the Sainsbury’s board has also asked it to reduce the level of debt in its indicative offer; offer more assurances over the long-term arrangement for the supermarket’s property portfolio; and come up with proposals acceptable to the retailer’s pension trustees.