Stanford is unmasked as an M&S investor

RETAIL entrepreneur Kevin Stanford has added Marks & Spencer to his list of investments in the sector.

The Karen Millen cofounder was unmasked as a shareholder after delving deep into the M&S share register to discover who exactly is holding the stock. Stanford has 8m shares worth £29m.

Stanford, who couldn't be contacted, is an active investor in the sector. He holds a 6.68% stake in tailor Moss Bros - though his investment through complex 'phantom' shares may be as high as 29.9%. He also owns 13% of the Oasis chain with former wife Karen Millen.

Stanford's interest in M&S may indicate this veteran of the retail sector detects a revival under the direction of boss Stuart Rose.

Marks (up 1½p at 360½p) has revamped its shops for its summer collection. It is one of the few chains that is not running a sale to get rid of excess stock.