MCCOLL'S Retail Group, which owns the RS McColl newsagent brand in Scotland, has become the latest retailer to be linked with a stock market flotation.

Reports suggest bosses are preparing the way for a float early in the year, with one valuing it at £200 million.

The speculation over McColl's, which runs 1273 convenience stores and newsagents around the UK, follows reports that Poundland and Pets at Home are also mulling plans to float.

Reports claim McColl's which is headed by chairman and chief executive James Lancaster, has been heartened by the successful placing of Conviviality Retail, the off-licence chain, on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM).

McColl's changed its name from Martin McColl Retail Group to McColl's Retail Group in August to reflect the significance of convenience sales to its business. Its 700 convenience stores account for 70% of its sales.

In its most recent accounts, the group booked operating profits of £15.8 million in the year to November 25, 2012, up 15.3% on the year before.

RS McColl was founded by former Rangers footballer in 1901. Its name continues to be used by the firm at its trading name for its newsagents north of ther Border.