Genting Berhad, the Malaysian conglomerate with casino interests, has built up a 9.4 per cent stake in Rank Group, fuelling speculation that a bidding war for the UK gaming operator is about to begin.

The interest is registered in the name of Palomino Limited, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Genting International.

Analysts are predicting that potential suitors will now be forced to declare any interest for the casino and bingo operator.