TAKING STOCK

Tarmaris, the nursing homes group, is on the verge of more acquisitions. The takeover of a 250-bed group is near and two more deals are likely to be completed in the next few months. The company, which increased the beds under its wing from 455 to 907 last year, hopes to control around 2,000 by the end of the year. Its expansion could attract bid attention and there is talk of possible predators lurking.

Profits surged fourfold to pounds 1.1m and the year's dividend is a maiden O.073p. The shares rose 0.35p to 3.25p, a 12-month high.

First Information, a multimedia group, held at 178p. Charterhouse Tilney, the stockbroker, sees reported profits of pounds 1.1m this year, jumping to pounds 3.1m next compared with a pounds 6.5m loss last year.