THE family which founded the Silentnight beds and furniture empire has made a surprise bid to take back control of the business. Silentnight PLC has received an approach from Famco Holdings, its majority shareholder, which represents the Clarkes.

Famco, which already owns just over 50 per cent of the Salterforth-based company, has announced it is considering making a cash offer for the remainder of the shares. Silentnight chief executive Bill Simpson was flying back to the UK from holiday and was unavailable for comment.

In a brief statement to the Stock Exchange, Silentnight said discussions were in progress and a further announcement would be made in due course.