MARKET REPORT: Taking Stock

Aminex, with oil and gas interests in the former Soviet Union, gained 2p to 76.5p. There is speculation it is on the verge of clinching a long rumoured deal in Tatarstan, 450 miles from Moscow, which could add a remarkable 3 billion barrels to its reserves. Russian shareholders have a big stake; so has the World Bank.

Farringford, backed by entrepreneur Trevor Hemmings, returned to market following the takeover of Lingfield Park racecourse. One deal went through at 18.5p. From today it will be called Arena Leisure.

Interesting times for Bruntcliffe Aggregates. Bodfari (Quarries), an unquoted Welsh group, has lifted its stake to 9.38 per cent; Aggregate Industries has 23 and could go to 27 per cent. Bruntcliffe fell 3p to 32.5p.