Aegis Shares Rise Amid Takeover Rumours

The price of shares in the Aegis Group, which owns research company Synovate, rose sharply today amid rumours that the French media and communications group Havas is planning to buy the company.

Aegis' share price rose from 98 pence to 113.5 pence as speculation increased throughout the day. Shares in Havas also rose in value this week, following its reports of a 2.2% increase in underlying sales for the first half of the year.

Speculation about the bid is said to have been prompted by the fact that Goldman Sachs bought a 2% share in Aegis on July 21, followed by another 4%. However, the rumours remain just that for now: a Dow Jones report states that some analysts remain sceptical about the bid.

Havas has not yet commented on the possible move, but reportedly mentioned 'a need to increase market share' earlier in the week.

The companies' web sites are at www.havas.com and www.aegisplc.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.