TAKING STOCK

o Aminex, the Irish oil group with oil and gas interests in the former Soviet Union, has appointed Riada, the Dublin stockbroker related to ABN Amro Hoare Govett, as its broker and is thought to be planning to seek a full share listing. The shares, unchanged at 65p, are currently traded on the Irish exploration market. The group recently announced a dramatic increase in profits. It is thought to be near to clinching a deal that will dramatically increase its already considerable Russian exposure.

o International Energy, a Channel Islands group, has been elevated from the backwater 4.2 share market to a full listing. The opening price was 112p compared with a 4.2 close of 104p. Securities house Credit Lyonnais Laing rates the newcomer, an expanding oil and gas group, as a buy.