TAKING STOCK

rBTG, the old British Technology Group, gained 15p to a 703p peak as, in the heady drug fever, the market continued to speculate about its riches, largely represented by an array of patents, licences and new products. The shares were floated at 225p in the summer.

Among the stories circulating is that BTG has clinched a licensing deal with Zeneca. It is said that the drugs giant, which yesterday launched its Diprivan intravenous anaesthetic in Japan, is taking on the marketing for a BTG cancer drug that is due to be put on sale next month.

rWensum Co, a maker of men's clothing, jumped 19p to 143p on takeover gossip. The shares have climbed 37p this week, from a year's low of 97p. Interim figures are due soon.