Guoco Group, the Asia-based investment group run by Quek Leng Chan, the Malaysian billionaire, has once again increased its stake in Rank Group.

The company, which bought the Clermont Club in London’s Berkeley Square from Rank in 2006 for £31m ($60m), has lifted its holding from 12.02 per cent to 12.67 per cent – a move that is likely to fuel speculation that it may consider making a bid for the UK casino, bingo and online betting company.