Shares: Taking Stock

Michael Page, the recruitment group, is attracting attention. The shares at 324p are riding at a 12-month high, up from 125p. There is talk of US buying and some big trades have gone through. Profits more than doubled last year to pounds 17.7m; around pounds 21m is likely this year.

Two buoyant debuts are expected today. Epic Multimedia should hit 125p from a 105p sale price and Mulberry, a brands group with international ambitions, may trade 30p above its 153p placing.

Boardroom action at Birkdale; chief executive George Malulski is one going, selling his 5.5 per cent stake to new group managing director Steven Smith at 6.5p. Ex-Rover chief Kevin Morley remains chairman. The shares rose 0.75p to 8p.