GUS shares surge on sell-off plan

SHARES IN Great Universal Stores surged 51p higher to 693p yesterday as the mail- order giant confirmed plans to sell two of its finance businesses.

The two divisions earmarked for sale are General Guarantee Finance, which specialises in car financing, and Highway Vehicle Management, a car leasing and contract hire business. Venture capital groups are likely to be interested with GE Capital tipped as one possible candidat