Market Report: Taking Stock

Speculation Prestbury Leisure is set to become a vehicle for Nigel Wray and Nick Leslau strengthened as the shares were suspended after a 5.5p gain to 9.25p. The company said it was in talks which could lead to an acquisition. There had been expectations Prestbury would buy a football club but such a deal now seems unlikely.

Carbo, the engineer reshaped under Ken Jackson, has duly sold its foundry for just over pounds 2m. Since the revamping exercise started three years ago businesses worth around pounds 20m have been sold. At 29p Carbo is valued at pounds 22.9m.

Label group Jarvis Porter added 8p to 230.5p as takeover hopes resurfaced. Britton, in receipt of a US bid, has indicated the hidden value in packaging. Jarvis was 310p last year.