Forth Ports, the Scottish ports-to-property takeover target, yesterday held its ground on the stock exchange after its meteoric, near-26% rise the day before on the back of City anticipation that rival Peel Group and its consortium partners will up its offer.

Glasgow-based Weir Group has been a favourite of several astute fund managers as the global economy has ailed.

The UK’s deficit on trade in goods with the rest of the world jumped unexpectedly to £8 billion in January, from £7bn in December, raising further concerns over the sustainability of the fledgling recovery.

More than £142 million was added to the market value of Glasgow-based Weir Group yesterday as its shares soared 8%.

Fund manager Edinburgh Partners has hired Graham Wood, who oversaw £27 billion of assets as chief investment officer for equities at Scottish Widows Investment Partnership(SWIP) before departing in a top-level restructuring last September.

John Menzies marked its return to full financial health yesterday with a strong set of results and a reduction in debt from £182 million to £132m, triggering a resumption of its dividend.

Shanks, the waste management group founded in Scotland, broke off talks with Carlyle Group after the American private equity firm cut its indicative bid for the firm, sending its shares plunging.

UK retail sales value in February was up 4.5% on the same month last year, according to an industry survey which is likely to provide some reassurance about the health of the consumer sector.

MPS yesterday accused banks bailed out by the taxpayer of using “aggressive tactics” to pressure customers struggling with debt.

A COMPLAINT against Kraft has been lodged with the City takeover panel, following their decision to shut a UK factory.