IL&P rides wave of future ownership speculation

Dublin Report Settlement Day: September 20thIrish Life and Permanent (IL&P) was the star of the show yesterday, as news that HBOS was walking away from Abbey renewed speculation about its future ownership.

Irish brokers were sceptical on a HBOS takeover of IL&P but that didn't stop investors buying into the story, with some 3.5 million shares changing hands. The stock price climbed by 25 cents to finish at a very respectable €13.10.

The other banks took a back seat amid the action, with AIB adding one cent to close at €13.42 and Bank of Ireland shedding five to end at €11.35. Volumes eased a touch in Anglo Irish, where shares fell 13 cents to €14.80.

Independent News and Media held steady at €2.07 after delivering first-half numbers in line with expectations.

Grafton crept to an all-time high of €7.43, up six cents on the day. Takeover target Heiton climbed in synch, adding four cents to €6.75. The share component in Grafton's offer for Heiton means that any increase in the former's value raises the price to be paid to Heiton shareholders.

Fyffes was again busier than most, with shares climbing by one cent to €1.86. The market continues to consider rumours of an imminent takeover of Italian firm Bocchi. Reports of higher banana prices from Chiquita were also a driver yesterday.

The picture was less bright at Waterford Wedgwood, where shares slipped down two cents to 12 cents. Dealers cited some investor concerns about delays in the publication of the firm's accounts for last year. A spokesman for Waterford said the annual report and accounts would be published "shortly".

Waterford will hold its annual general meeting on October 21st, with analysts expecting a brief trading update at that time.

Jurys Doyle held up well after going ex-dividend by 8.4 cents, with shares closing up 10 cents at €10.40.

Also moving ex-dividend was Kingspan (3.4 cents), with shares steady at €5.63.