P124 CEEFAX 124  Sat 13 Feb  22:31/23
      1/2 
    
    
         TOPICS, BIDS & DEALS    
                                        
  The fight for control of the foundry 
 products group, Birmid Qualcast, is set
 to go the full distance.               
                                        
 Unwanted suitor Blue Circle Industries,
 whose £275m takeover bid has provoked  
 fierce opposition from the Smethwick-  
 based Birmid, says it now speaks for   
 46.5pc of its target.                  
                                        
 Blue Circle previously held a 42pc     
 stake.                                 
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                        
             Birmid Shares 132          
                                        
                                        
   P124 CEEFAX 124  Sat 13 Feb  22:32/35
      2/2 
    
    
         TOPICS, BIDS & DEALS    
                                        
  The acquisition by the New Zealand-  
 based Goodman Fielder of a 29.9pc stake
 in Ranks Hover McDougall is not being  
 referred to the Monopolies Commission. 
                                        
 The decision was announced in a brief  
 statement from the DUI.                
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                        
                                        
              RHM Shares 130