Exclusive Julian Hunt David Simons is already plotting how to make his comeback to the retail scene ­ and that could include making a bid for Somerfield. Speaking for the first time since he was ousted as Somerfield's chief executive, Simons stressed it was too early to be specific about his plans."It's a question of talking to people, thinking over various things and probably not making my mind up for some time," he said. But Simons ­ who owns a farm in the west country ­ added: "I certainly do not intend to become a full-time farmer." Although Simons admitted he has had talks with American money men in the past week, he dismissed speculation he had tried to take Somerfield private while he was still in charge of the company. "There was never an attempt to buy Somerfield by me. It's clear from the announcement from the company that approaches had been received and that was absolutely above board. "While I knew the people who made the approach I had nothing to do with them making it. Up to the time I left I was acting in my capacity as CEO of Somerfield, irrespective of those approaches." But Simons added: "Within hours of leaving the company, its advisors were talking to me and saying you are outside the company and if you were to talk to those people who made an offer and came back with an offer we would have to listen to you'." That prompted Simons to fly to Los Angeles last week for talks with as yet unnamed investors. But he stressed he had "nothing to relate at this stage" as his trip had been an exploratory mission to meet with US investors. Simons said he had experienced "huge amounts of sadness" at leaving Somerfield ­ not least because it meant severing contact with some "great" people. It also marked the end of his reign at Somerfield, which he said had been "reasonably successful" up until 12 months ago. {{NEWS }}

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