CHRONOLOGY-Highs and lows of retailer Marks and Spencer

(Reuters) - Marks and Spencer boss Stuart Rose, lauded for reviving the retailer just a year ago, is battling to save his job after bungled management changes and a surprise profit warning.

Following is a chronology of key events in the history of the clothing, homewares and food group ahead of its annual shareholder meeting:

1884 - Michael Marks, a Russian born refugee, opens a stall at Kirkgate Market in Leeds

1894 - Marks forms a partnership with Tom Spencer, a former cashier from the wholesale company IJ Dewhirst.

1926 - Marks & Spencer Ltd becomes a public company.

1931 - Food department introduced.

1998 - Annual profit reaches a record 1.2 billion pounds, but M&S says expansion plan will hit profits in the short term.

2000

Feb - Luc Vandevelde becomes chairman.