Shares: Taking Stock

Ofex, the share market created by market maker John Jenkins, yesterday recruited its 100th constituent - Daniel Thwaites, a near 200-year-old Blackburn brewer with 420 pubs and a hotel chain which includes London's Stafford in St James's Place. At its 375p opening price it is valued at pounds 72.5m.

The flow of Ofex newcomers continues. Woodstock, a 46-strong pubs chain is hoping to raise pounds 600,000, selling shares at 20p and Robotic Technology Systems is attempting the biggest Ofex cash call yet - a pounds 2m issue.

Its parent, Finnscrew of Finland, has developed a system to grind propellers which is said to be much quicker and more accurate than traditional methods. RTS will spearhead an internaitonal sales and marketing drive. About 30 per cent of the company is being sold at 20p.