British software maker Autonomy was one of the few risers amongst FTSE 100 companies today on speculation that the company could be the target of a takeover bid.
While the market remained almost flat while expecting more economic data out of the US, Autonomy shares soared 66p, or 4%, to £16.96.
Traders cited US software giants such as Microsoft and Oracle as possible bidders. Company officials were not immediately available for comment.
Autonomy posted record six month revenues of $415.3m in July, up 28% from the first half last year. Pre-tax profit also rose 24% to a record $182.7m, the company said in a statement on July 22.