SHARES: TAKING STOCK

rAberdeen Trust slumped 8.5p to 118p as Jupiter Tyndall takeover hopes evaporated. The German-controlled trust has sold a 13.93 per cent stake to Phoenix Home, a US insurance group, which will lift its interest to 28.28 per cent when loan notes are converted. Jupiter had aggressively lifted its interest to 29.32 per cent.

rIrish Marine Oil is attracting attention. Since arriving on Ofex at 4p in November the shares have reached 23p. It is in the John Teeling stable, which has produced African Gold, at a 15.5p peak, and the Pan Andean blockbuster.

rCrestaCare, a health-care group, edged ahead to 27p, reflecting director buying. James Capel, the stockbroker, looks for profits this year of pounds 5m against pounds 2.9m.