Dec 12 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories on the business pages of British newspapers. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

The Times

- Superdry Plc founder Julian Dunkerton has held talks with private equity firms over a potential buyout of the fashion retailer after growing disillusioned with its dismal share price performance.

- About 750 members of the British armed forces will be drafted in to drive ambulances and support the NHS amid mounting concern that patients will be put at risk because of industrial action.

The Guardian

- Britain's Trades Union Congress has urged the government to make crucial changes to legislation planned to help seafarers after the P&O Ferries scandal, warning that loopholes otherwise remain that unscrupulous employers could exploit.

- British ministers have rebuffed an offer by nursing unions to suspend planned strikes in return for negotiations on pay, arguing that it was not possible for the government to amend awards decided by the independent pay body for NHS staff.

The Telegraph

- British Business Secretary Grant Shapps has imposed restrictions on the takeover of shell company XRE Alpha linked to UK power generation, amid concerns it could hand UK intelligence to China.

- UK's Channel 5 is spearheading a bid to oppose longer television ad breaks on ITV over concerns the move would hand its rival a 150 million pound ($183.33 million) revenue boost.

Sky News

- The cost of antibiotics needed to treat Strep A has skyrocketed - as British industry professionals claim prices have been hiked up to take advantage of "unprecedented" demand.

- Britain's biggest retailer Tesco PLC is preparing to kick off a search for a new chairman to replace John Allan, who will step down in 2024. ($1 = 0.8182 pounds) (Compiled by Bengaluru newsroom)