Investigation at Trafalgar

THE Institute of Chartered Accountants has launched a wide-ranging investigation of all those involved in preparing the accounts of Trafalgar House, including the conglomerate's auditors, Touche Ross, and four main board directors. Trafalgar was forced to restate its profit figures for last year after a formal censure by the Financial Reporting Review Panel, the watchdog authority for company accounts.

Trafalgar, presently in the middle of a controversial pounds 211m rights issue, faces a rough ride from shareholders at a meeting to approve the cash call in London tomorrow. Some investors believe they have been misled over the company's true financial position and are expected to demand the resignation of the auditors and main board directors.