Federated Stores adopted an anti-takeover plan.

The Cincinnati-based retailer, parent of Bullock’s and Ralphs, said the measures are designed to “deter coercive takeover tactics.” Under the plan, devised at a regular board meeting, shareholders will receive rights to buy shares of a new issue of preferred stock that “upon the occurrence of certain events” would entitle the holder to buy either Federated securities or stock in the acquiring entity at half of its market value. The company, which has been the subject of merger speculation for several weeks, said it has no knowledge that anyone is contemplating a hostile move.