TAKING STOCK

rBarcom, the plant hire group rescued from the brink of collapse, is on the verge of what it describes as a "significant acquisition". The shares climbed 7p to 43p. It seems the proposed deal will require a funding exercise, possible a rights issue. Restructured by two former Blackwood Hodge executives, Richard Cameron and Brian Thompson, the group recently produced interim profits of pounds 103,000 against a loss of almost pounds 1.5m.

rBirkdale, the advertising group, rose another 1.5p to 10p. Since Kevin Morley, ex-Rover, arrived last week the shares have doubled. The company, which used to be called Brunning Group, has a long history of losses but was in the black in the six months to last September. Mr Morley's arrival, although welcome, will bring only a little relief to longstanding shareholders; in 1989 the shares touched 112p.