Bid approach a winner for Goals' shares

Shares in Goals Soccer Centres jumped more than 16 per cent yesterday after it confirmed that it has received a bid approach from the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan.

Goals, which operates five-a-side football centres, saw its shares rise 17.5p to 125p, yesterday, valuing the group at £61m.

Investors have become concerned over the past six months that Goals was suffering as corporate clients cut their use of its pitches to save money.

But recently it said it had found a new way of building centres costing far less than they had historically.

The group runs 32 centres in the UK and one in Los Angeles.

Goals told the stock market: "The company confirms that it has received a preliminary approach from Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan that may or may not lead to an offer being made for the company.

"There can be no certainty that an offer will be made for Goals, nor as to the terms on which an offer may be made."