(Sharecast News) - Edenred surged on Thursday after the French payment service provider confirmed it has been "approached in an exploratory way by investment funds".

Responding to press speculation, the company said: "So far, Edenred has no information about the reality of their interest.

"Edenred does not intend to make any further statements on this matter and remains focused on executing its Amplify25-28 strategy."

The very brief statement came after La Lettre reported that British private equity firm BC Partners was interested in the group.

At 1450 BST, Edenred shares were up 16.6% at €24.11.

Edenred focuses on payment services used in the workplace, such as meal vouchers, gift cards and preferential rates, as well as other business-to-business payment solutions.