TAKING STOCK

r Brockbank, the Lloyds underwriter, returned to market at 290p, a 40p advance from its suspension level. The trading halt was called while the AIM-traded company merged with one of Bermuda's largest reinsurers, Mid Ocean. The Bermudan group, which has 51 per cent of the new enlarged operation, has pumped in pounds 50m to support underwriting on syndicates managed by Brockbank.

r Clarke Nickolls & Coombs, the property group once a sweet maker, seems set for a revamp. Richard Upton and Andrew Nedham have paid 9p a share for the 29.97 per cent held by Channel Hotels & Properties, run by the colourful Jersey investor David Kirch.

Mr Upton is seeking to become chairman and Mr Nedham an executive director. CNC held at 7.5p.