Taking Stock

Haemocell, the blood products company which has been under intense pressure and was forced to mount a pounds 2m rescue rights issue, held at 4.5p. The chief executive, Brian Long, has displayed faith in the group's revival by buying 1 million shares, lifting his interest to nearly 4 per cent. At one time Haemocell seemed to be one of the more exciting health ventures. Its blood filter won US approval but problems over distributors retarded its progress. The group has switched to its own selling force, a move which is thought to be paying off.

Malaya, the luxury car group embracing HR Owen, continues to attract Singapore multi-millionaire Ong Beng Seng. His interests picked up another 500,000 shares and now account for 25.28 per cent; the price is 12.5p.