TAKING STOCK

rBlagg, the builders merchant which has become the vehicle of Chris Akers, the former Swiss Bank Corporation corporate financier, edged forward 0.5p to 19.5p. The shares were 6p before the Akers arrival last week. The market is intrigued by an agency cross this week at 20p. There is talk that Blagg's first deal is near with the shares valued at 22p for the transaction. A media swoop is the popular guess.

rScantronic, the security group which earlier this year complained that hovering bidders damaged its trading, is in takeover talks again. The shares rose 3p to 11.5p. Silvermines is rumoured to be the interested party. Nine months ago Scantronic held talks with Menvier-Swain but they foundered on a dispute over a confidentiality agreement. The shares were 87p last year.