John Caudwell, the philanthropist and former Phones 4U telecoms tycoon, has downplayed reports that he might rescue LDV, the Birmingham-based van maker that went into administration this month. He confirmed to the Guardian that he was considering an investment in the company, but said his interest was "marginal" and that the likelihood of doing a deal was "probably less than a chance in a million". He added that he had asked LDV's administrators, PwC, to send him some preliminary financial information about the company which he would study before deciding whether to proceed. Tim Webb