Market Report: Taking Stock

Action is expected to emerge soon at John Mansfield, the little timber group being prepared for a much grander role. In the summer Julian Treger and Brian Myerson, scourge of under performing companies, decided to do their own thing and descended on Mansfield, acquiring 65 per cent. So far their involvement has led to the arrival of a new chairman, Stuart Wallis, once chief executive of Fisons. The shares are 8.25p.

Engineer Widney edged ahead 1p to 48.5p as two investors, with 11.5 per cent, called a shareholders' meeting to oust three directors, including David Cassidy, chairman and chief executive. Last month Widney said talks with a bidder had ended. The "rebels" are Strand Associates, a financial boutique, and SEP Industrial, unchanged at 28.5p.