The things CEOs come out with...

Where would we be without loose-lipped CEOs?

You can always rely on the chief exec to say the wrong thing at a sensitive time. Today's Financial Times UK edition reminded us of some of the classics of recent times.

Who can forget Matt Barrett, CEO of leading retail bank, Barclays much repeated comment in 2003:

"I don't borrow on credit cards because it's too expensive".

Or Gerard Ratner, CEO or UK retailers, Ratners, who sealed his fate with the words:

"People say how can you sell this for such a low price. I say because it is total crap."

And now, Stuart Rose from Marks & Spencer has added his name to the list by hastily retracting the following words uttered over a "glass of wine":

"Assets like [Sainsbury] don't come on the market very often. Your shareholders would think you were an idiot if you didn't consider it. Watch this space."

Swifly followed two hours later by an 'official announcement' declaring that:

"The Board of Marks and Spencer has decided that it does not intend to make an offer for Sainsbury at this time."

Any other examples to add to Melcrum's CEO list of shame would be welcome...

Robin Crumby.