Calcutta, May 31 :    Calcutta, May 31:  The battle for VST is fast turning into a gripping, edge-of-the-seat thriller, as both suitors vie with each other to woo the shy bride. In another twist today, Russel Credit, the investment arm of ITC Ltd, raised its offer price to Rs 125 from Rs 120 per share, for a 20 per cent stake in VST Ltd. This is the second time in less than two weeks that it has revised its offer price upwards for the Hyderabad-based tobacco company. The move is in response to the stiff competition provided by Mumbai-based contender Bright Star Investment, promoted by R. S. Damani and G. S. Damani. Bright Star created a flutter in corporate circles by making a hostile takeover bid for the Rs 750-crore VST on February 13 this year, at Rs 112 per share. However, sensing the tough challenge posed by the ITC subsidiary, the company subsequently revised its offer price on May 14 to Rs 118. Today's move by Russel has added a new dimension in the take-over drama, with the Damanis preferring to keep their cards close to their chest. 'We will consider our response carefully,' said John Band, CEO of AskRaymond, lead managers of the Bright Star open offer. As per the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Board of India, no further price revision will be allowed after June 3. The investment vehicle sent a notice today to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) through its lead manager Kotak Mahindra Capital Company, informing the bourse of its intent. Meanwhile, the VST scrip shot up to Rs 124.5 on the BSE today.