The company has recently been the subject of takeover speculation.

Both had been the subject of takeover speculation, which eased yesterday.

Standing in his way, of course, is the recurrent takeover speculation.

Takeover speculation has sent the stocks of both companies up sharply in recent months.

They fell 2p to 495p while United gained 7p to 421p on continuing takeover speculation.

The Dallas-based company has been the focus of takeover speculation.

Its stock has fallen 24 percent this year and the company became the subject of considerable takeover speculation.

Analysts said that these issues, and others, had benefited from takeover speculation.

It has been advancing since then as takeover speculation resumed.

The disclosure came after takeover speculation had sent its stock soaring.