Wolves confident of Marston win

WOLVERHAMPTON & DUDLEY, the regional brewer, last night appeared confident of winning control of rival Marston Thompson & Evershed as earlier indications suggested that at least one large shareholder had accepted its pounds 288m offer. Sources close to W&D said their offer, which closes this afternoon, had been well received and a number of City analysts were advising clients to vote for it.

One shareholder in Marston, which launched an unprecedented pounds 317m bid for W&D, was understood to have accepted the offer. Marston, the brewer of Pedigree bitter, said the result was too close to call because several investors were still undecided.