New Look’s management said on Wednesday that it was not gearing up for a return to the stock market at present, as it reported 15 per cent a rise in group sales, but did not rule out a return to a public listing in 2010.

Carl McPhail, the fashion chain’s chief executive, said that any decision on an initial public offering would be taken by owners Apax and Permira, but said it was not something currently on the agenda.