‘Czech sphinx’ Daniel Kretinsky speaks out over £150m Royal Mail stake

Stockbrokers believe the overseas arm GLS, seen as the “jewel in the crown” of Royal Mail’s business, is likely to most interest Mr Kretinsky. He said: “Similar to all other investments undertaken via Vesa Equity Investment, it also applies for Royal Mail that we join companies of whose fundamental value we are convinced based on detailed fundamental analysis.

“In the case of Royal Mail, we particularly appreciate the company’s ­tradition, history and importance of the public service it provides.

“We do not exclude the possibility of either strengthening our presence or reducing current shareholder position especially according to development of the market, the respective company itself, as well as the rest of our portfolio.”

Shane O’Riordain, Royal Mail’s corporate affairs chief, said: “Ongoing shareholder engagement is always a key priority for us. We are focused on delivering our strategy at pace on ­behalf of our stakeholders.”