Adjusting to new realities

ACCBANK this week reports what are likely to be its final set of results as an independent entity. While, in the current environment, the figures themselves are certain to be strong when they are announced on Wednesday, analyst interest will focus more on the progress of merger talks with its State-owned peer, TSB.

Elsewhere, on the same day, results from Ryan Hotels will be awaited as much for the reaction to the Jurys/Doyle merger as to anything in the results themselves. The merger of their rivals is likely to force the group to re-examine its priorities but it will no take the gloss off results which are likely to show a rise in pre-tax profits of 25 per cent to £8 million on the back of a booming tourist market and careful marketing.

Allied Domecq: In the alcoholic beverages sector, Allied Domecq's interim figures are expected to be subdued by the difficult trading environment in emerging markets and a dip in profits from its managed pubs division. The company is expected to reveal a general decline in spirits sales. Analysts have forecast pre-tax profits of around £300 million sterling on Thursday.

Elan: As Elan continues to suffer at the hands of investors in the US, shareholders will look for encouragement at the annual meeting on Friday. Concerns over its trial s and registration have knocked the stock back in recent times and results last week failed to buck the trend.

Monday

Results: BATM, Boot (Henry) & Sons, Calswell Investments, Invernia, Maiden (H1), PPL Therapeutics, SBS Group (H1).

A.G.M.: BPP Holdings, James Crean (e.g.m.), First Active, Irish Nationwide, Metal Bulletin, Murray International Trust, Pendragon, Ryland Group (e.g.m.).

Others: Clinincal trials group ICON lists in Dublin; European Court of Auditors president Jan Karlsson and member Barry Desmond address "Current Perspectives on Managing the Finances of the European Union" (Institute of European Affairs, Dublin).

Tuesday

Results: Aberdeen Asset Management (H1), Alexandra, Morgan Grenfell Lat AM, MSB International, Phytopharm (H1).

A.G.M.: AFA Systems (e.g.m.), Dunedin Inc & Growth, Friends Provident Ethical, Halifax, Northern Rock, Pentland, Rubberoid, SmithKline Beecham, Vickers, Wood (Arthur) & Son.

Others: Institute of Internal Auditors - Irish District Society conference on "Supporting Business into the New Millennium" (Tullamore Court Hotel, Offaly to Thurs); Trinity Technology and Sun Microsystems partnership established.

Wednesday

Results: ACCBank, Arcadia (H1), BioGlan Pharma, Buckland Inns, Carr's Milling (H1), Fibernet Group (H1), Ryan Hotels, Seet, Shiloh.

A.G.M.: Aggreko, British Aerospace, Carisbrooke Shipping, Fleming Claverhouse, Flomerics, Guardian Royal Exchange, Heywood Williams, Hibernian Group, Ocean Group, An Post, Persimon, Rea Brothers, VFG (e.g.m.), Vymura.

Meetings: Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association annual industry day (Radisson Hotel, Dublin).

Others: Computing Solutions Show (RDS, Dublin to Thurs); Irish Permanent Young Businesswoman of the Year (Conrad Hotel, Dublin); Cross-Border Job Fair (Carrickdale Hotel, Newry/Dundalk).

Thursday

Results: Allied Domecq (H1), British American Tobacco (Q1), Chiroscience, Connaught (H1), Jersey Phoenix Trust (H1), WH Smith (H1), SVB Holdings, Unilever (Q1).

A.G.M.: Arjo Wiggins Appleton, BAT, BG, Cattles, Charter, Chesterfield (e.g.m.), C.A. Coutts Holdings, Donatantonio, Dunloe Ewart, Expamet, Gaskell, Gibbs & Dandy, Independent Insurance, Internet Technology, Limelight Group, Low & Bonar, Provident Financial, Thomson Travel, United Assurance,

Meetings: Sherry FitzGerald managing director Mark FitzGerald addresses Leinster Society of Chartered Accountants (Fitzers RDS, Dublin);

Others: Jean Monnet lecture by Prof Rory O'Donnell, Jean Monnet professor of European Business Studies on "Reinventing Ireland: From Sovereignity to Partnership" (UCD Graduate School of Business, Dublin); Institute of Management Consultants in Ireland annual dinner with Enterprise Ireland chief executive, Mr Dan Flinter as guest of honour.

Friday

A.G.M.: EBC Group, Elan Corporation, Elementis, Fulcrum (e.g.m.), Gowrings, Hanson, JSB (e.g.m.), Pearson, Waterford Wedgwood.

Others: Irish Fair Trade network seminar on Ethical Trade