1.   While he admitted the bank had been the subject of repeated takeover rumours, Mr Davies said these rumours had no basis in truth.

2.   Already boosted by strong demand forecasts for the coming seven years, electricity companies were further underpinned by new takeover rumours in the sector.

3.   These concerns were somewhat offset by the return of takeover rumours surrounding Zeneca, the British pharmaceuticals group.

4.   Numerous companies were caught up in takeover rumours and rose and fell depending on the importance or credibility of the speculation.

5.   Takeover rumours also lifted certain stocks, such as the merchant bank Schroders.

6.   Takeover rumours boosted some electricity companies.

7.   The London stock exchange was also swept up this week by continued takeover rumours.