TAKING STOCK

rYorkshire Food, which stumbled into a pounds 4m half-year loss, is attracting the attention of Dole, the US food group. The Americans have upped their stake to 6.86 per cent, buying 1.8 million shares. Despite its name, Yorkshire's ambitions are directed mainly at the US and Dole is one of its competitors in the dried fruit and nuts market. It hopes eventually to get a New York share listing. In London its shares firmed to 48.5p.

rBudgens, the food retailer, has the support of stockbroker Williams de Broe. Analyst Bill Myers believes the shares, at 42p, do not recognise the chain's recovery and the 29.4 per cent stake held by Rewe of Germany. By converting bonds Rewe could go to 45 per cent. Profits of pounds 9.3m are expected this year and pounds 10.8m next.