London | Online property listing company REA has scuttled its £6.2 billion ($12 billion) takeover bid for Rightmove after the British group resisted even a last-minute personal overture from the Murdoch-owned group’s chairman, Hamish McLennan.

In a statement, REA said it would not post a formal offer before the 28-day “put up or shut up” Monday deadline stipulated by UK takeover rules. This closes the window to any further approaches from REA for six months unless a rival suitor emerges.