A round-up of today's other stories in brief.

Titan takes over control of Maiden

Advertising giant Titan Worldwide has bought Maiden Outdoor Group, giving it control of Maiden Ireland and making it the country's second-largest outdoor advertising group.

The acquisition, for which the sum was not disclosed, will give Titan control of more than 18,000 advertising panels in Ireland, including increasing its access to road and rail-side billboards and shopping centres. It already has a contract to manage the advertising on more than 1,250 buses and the Dart commuter rail system.

Maiden, the largest independent outdoor media sales company in the UK, had sales of £92.1 million (€134 million) in 2004.

In-red Qualceram gave chief pay rise

Qualceram Shires gave chief executive John O'Loughlin a pay rise in 2005, even though the bathroom suite manufacturer had posted lower sales and a net loss for the year.

Mr O'Loughlin received €319,000 in salary, pension contributions, bonus payments and benefits in kind last year, up from €309,000 he earned in total pay for 2004, Qualceram's annual report shows.

Total compensation for all five executive directors rose to €1.27 million last year from €1.22 million in 2004.

Dairygold buys Dan Dairies

Dairygold Food Ingredients has acquired Leeds-based Dan Dairies for an undisclosed amount.

Dan Dairies, a producer of soft cheeses, developed Ezycheese with Dairygold. The liquid cheese product was launched in May.

Finavera plans to list on TSX-V

Finavera Renewables, an Irish renewable energy company, announced yesterday it plans to list on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX-V).

The company has signed a letter of intent with Cascade Minerals. Cascade will issue more than 120 million common shares at $0.25 each to acquire Finavera's outstanding capital. The deal is awaiting approval by shareholders and the TSX-V.

Structured Credit raises $208m

Structured Credit Holdings has raised $208 million (€162 million) in equity with a private placement. The company handles structured credit products in the credit risk transfer market, including credit-linked notes.

IFG names Bourke chief executive

Financial services provider IFG has named Mark Bourke chief executive. The appointment is effective immediately.

Previously, he was finance director and chief executive of the group's Irish operations.

B of I signs Alfred McAlpine contract

Bank of Ireland has signed a seven-year contract with London-based support service provider Alfred McAlpine.

The contract is estimated to save B of I almost $30 million (€23.37 million).

Island Oil and Gas finds hint of gas

Irish-based Island Oil and Gas said yesterday its well at Seven Heads West in the Celtic Sea, drilled to more than 3,200 feet, has discovered gas shows.

Island and its partners, Marathon Seven Heads and Sunningdale Oils Ireland, are now working on submitting plans to the Department of Communication, Marine and Natural Resources to continue testing the well.