There has been some excitement in property company Minerva, with renewed talk of stakebuilding by a possible predator.
The shares were briefly suspended at 188p after the price rose by more than 13%, putting it in an auction period to allow traders a pause for breath and a chance for the deals to be matched correctly. On their return they moved higher again, and currently stand at 192p, up 26.5p. Traders who had previously been sceptical of the bid talk are now starting to think there might be something in it.
Moving on, as promised here is the reply from Alliance & Leicester, which maintains it is "business as usual" despite the volatility in its shares.
"We do not know of any reason for the significant fall in our share price earlier today," said a spokesman. "I would point out that each week in recent months, including this week, Alliance & Leicester has successfully raised the funds it requires. We are also raising funds today, continuing our share buyback programme, and are buying back shares today."
The statement seemed to have an effect. After falling 8% earlier, A&L shares are now 15p lower at 675p, a 2% decline.
