MARKET REPORT: Taking Stock

Hard-pressed Westminster Scaffolding, which moved from the old USM to Ofex last year, seems to have found the first deal in its bid to "restore value" for its 2,500 shareholders. Ofex trading was halted at 0.25p a share yesterday after it agreed to buy another company, thought to be involved in developing medical equipment. Details are expected in September. At the moment Westminster's main activity is a scaffolding business in Kuwait.

Bensons Crisps was little changed at 34p as interim profits rose 11 per cent to pounds 615,000. Year's outturn is likely to be pounds 2.5m. The company continues to recover from past misfortunes and feels confident enough to seek acquisitions. A bid to buy a continental producer failed but other deals are likely.