Scrutineer

Published on Friday 18 July 2008 21:26

RUMOUR OF THE DAY Yahoo keeping its options open

IF MICROSOFT steps in to block a potential Yahoo tie-up with AOL, the internet firm could renew its talks over News Corp's web properties instead, sources have claimed.

Yahoo, after rebuffing Microsoft's bid to take it over, has kept in contact with News Corp, the source said, but discussions with Time Warner about AOL appeared to be further along.

News Corp's chief, Rupert Murdoch, said just last week that a deal between his company – which owns the popular MySpace online social network – and Yahoo was "very unlikely".

Yahoo and Time Warner have been discussing a potential deal in which Yahoo would merge its operations with AOL, and Time Warner would take a minority stake in the combined company, sources have said.

SMALL BUT BEAUTIFUL

T Clarke makes the right first-half connections

ELECTRICAL contractor T Clarke said it has made good progress in the first half and remains confident of trading in the second half.

Trading for the six months to 30 June has continued to be in line with market expectations since May's update, it added.

"This is a reflection of the success of the group's strategy of diversifying its activities by both sector and geography, with the group's broad client base and divers market coverage mitigating the cyclical nature of individual markets," said the firm, which has a market cap of 58.72 million.

It added: "Cash generation is very strong and the group is well positioned to meet future dividend and capital requirements."

The current order book amounts to 235m, of which 100m is scheduled for completion in the current year.

"In these uncertain times it is encouraging to note that enquiry levels remain high, we are preferred bidder for several major contracts, cashflow is positive and the group is in good shape," said the firm's boss Pat Stanborough.

The firm's interim results are due on 29 August.