"We are aware that in recent media interviews, Dave Ward, the General Secretary of the CWU has indicated that we are in 'secret talks' with a private equity investment group, he believes, regarding a takeover of Royal Mail," it said in a statement.

"The Company wishes to make clear that this is not true. We are involved in no such talks," it said.

(Reporting by Yadarisa Shabong in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva)