Shares: Taking Stock

Proteus International, the healthcare group, rose 23p to 83p as the Irish offered what could be a break- through for its BSE diagnostic system.

A 168-strong supermarket chain is selling BSE tested and labelled beef. The tests are carried out by a Proteus licensee at its laboratory outside Dublin. Beef carcasses are examined for pounds 20 a time with royalties paid to Proteus.

Aromascan fell 2.5p to 12p. It confirmed a nominee company had sold a 4.9 per cent stake. The deal took place on the day Aromascan said it knew of no reason for any share weakness.

Versailles, a trade finance group, should lift profits by more than pounds 2m to pounds 7.2m this year and pounds 2m to pounds 9m next, believes stockbroker Teather & Greenwood. The shares are 47.5p.