'We won't be intimidated by M&S'

Marks & Spencer has been accused of bullying after it unleashed its lawyers on a Bradford-based clothing chain for trumpeting that its prices were cheaper than those offered by its bigger rival.

Marks & Spencer has been accused of bullying after it unleashed its lawyers on a Bradford-based clothing chain for trumpeting that its prices were cheaper than those offered by its bigger rival.

Greenwoods Menswear, which runs 80 shops almost entirely in the north of England, has been running banners in its shop windows pointing out that M&S was selling similar suits for up to a third more.

M&S took exception and wrote a legal letter accusing Greenwoods of "misleading" décor, which it said was "damaging our business and our reputation".

Greenwoods has refused to drop the signs. "We will not be intimidated by M&S," said John Simpson, the company's managing director. "We will continue to promote our better-value suits and leather jackets as we see fit."

M&S refused to comment further.