RATCATCHER to tropical plants group Rentokil last night won control of the business services group BET after a gruelling £2.1 billion sterling takeover battle.

The predator secured the support of a controlling 59.8 per cent of BET's shareholders.

Rentokil had feared its celebrations would have to be delayed by a Takeover Panel inquiry into whether 24 million votes held by the company should be disqualified.

But the panel said no breach of rules had occurred and BET threw in the towel, saying it would not appeal against the ruling.