Market Report: Taking Stock

Loss-making Ronson, the luxury goods group, fell 1p to a 10p low on rumours the would-be bidders are preparing to walk away. The presence of the as yet unidentified predators was revealed in August. When it produced a pounds 5.3m interim loss last month Ronson said talks continued. Flamboyant Howard Hodgson moved in on the former brewing business two years ago and the shares subsequently touched 65.5p. But the group ran into difficulties. Mr Hodgson, who left in June, was blamed for the slump.

European Mining Finance held at 22p as rebel shareholders removed three directors, including chief executive Christopher Hall. Gordon Montgomery and ex-PR man John Goodger were voted on to the board. In the nine months to end September EMF lost $504,000.