Business and City Summary

Nat Puri, the Nottingham- based tycoon, has bought part of the Conder Group, the construction company that went into receivership 10 days ago. He is taking over the structural steel fabricator, Conder Structures for an undisclosed sum.

Coal chief dies Ken Moses, the joint deputy chairman of British Coal, has died after a stroke last week. Dr Moses, 60, was a key player in negotiating future coal contracts with the electricity industry, which are key to British Coal's survival.

CBI warning

The Confederation of British Industry has warned the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Norman Lamont, against rushing legislation through Parliament to implement the EC Insider Dealing Directive.

Linx placing

Linx, the inkjet-printer maker which plans a stock market debut this month, is to issue its pathfinder prospectus tomorrow. Linx plans to raise fresh capital via a placing, and expects to have a stock market value of pounds 30m- pounds 35m.