P&O could still find itself the subject of a rival takeover bid, despite the announcement that it had agreed to be taken over by Dubai Ports World.

According to city speculation and several national newspapers, Temasek Holdings, a Singaporean state investment firm, has left the way open to launch an unsolicited £3.4billion rival bid for the company.

The offer from DP World is worth £3.3billion.

Speculation in the city has been rife that Temasek is trying to amass a big stake in P&O by buying shares and pushing the price up, but it is believed it will have to gain a 25 per cent stake in the company to block DP World’s offer.

P&O will have to pay £34million break fee to DP World if Temasek does launch a bid.