Sir Terry Leahy in line to lead Hut Group Sources indicated that current trading continues to be strong, and with an extra year's consolidated numbers in place, a float is likely by the end of 2013. Sir Terry is one of The Hut Group's individual investors, having joined an esteemed list of retailers including Sir Stuart Rose, former chief executive of Marks & Spencer, and Terry Green, Tesco's former clothing chief, on its shareholder register. One source said: "Terry would be at the top of anybody's list, but it is dependant on time." Last week Sir Terry became chairman of discount retailer B&M Bargains after private equity firm Clayton Dubilier & Rice bought a stake in the business which valued it at £965m. The Hut Group's board has set up a committee to select the next chairman, however no headhunter has been appointed. Instead potential candidates have been recommended by the board and its investors, which includes Balderton Capital, the technology-focused venture capital house which has in the past backed Betfair and LoveFilm. Sources close to the company played down talk of a coup by Sir Terry to oust Mr Monro, pointing out that chief executive Matthew Moulding controls a majority of the board through the rights attached to his shareholding. A spokesman for The Hut Group declined to comment.