Market report: Taking Stock

Dealings in the shares of Burtonwood Brewery, the Warrington group, continue to baffle. There has been a steady stream of small deals in the past few weeks, taking the price to a 196.5p peak. The activity has prompted rumours of stake-building ahead of a bid or selling by members of the three families which collectively have more than 40 per cent. Biggest outside shareholder is Allied Domecq with nearly 5 per cent.

Jarvis Porter, the drink labels and packaging group, is attracting attention. The shares have edged forward, closing 8p higher at 145.5p. They were 310p a year ago. Interim profits were lower and although second- half figures will show some improvement there is talk a bidder is preparing to take advantage of JP's problems.