Prospects of a full-scale bidding war for J Sainsbury grew yesterday as the supermarket group attracted fresh predators and the original CVC-led consortium met pension trustees.

Senior members of the CVC-led team, which also includes Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, Blackstone and Texas Pacific Group, this week outlined their proposed £11bn-plus offer to John Adshead, chairman of Sainsbury's pension schemes' trustee boards.