THOMSON FINANCIAL NEWS TOP STORIES UK 1605 BST

THOMSON FINANCIAL NEWS TOP STORIES UK 1605 BST

	Published : Mon, 16 Apr 2007 16:22 By : Agencies Print this Story

LONDON (Thomson Financial) - Here are the top stories on Thomson Financial News

UK March output prices see biggest monthly rise since April 2006

LONDON (Thomson Financial) - UK factory gate prices saw their biggest monthly rise in nearly a year in March, driven by sharp gains in the prices of scrap metal and petroleum products, and as the increase in tobacco and alcohol duty announced in the Budget began to take effect, official figures showed.

The sharp gain in output prices will worry rate-setters at the Bank of England, who have recently expressed concern about manufacturers taking advantage of the recent upturn in the economy to raise their prices in order to offset the sharp increase in energy prices last year. This will only add further to expectations that the central bank will raise interest rates again next month.

Imperial mulling third bid for Altadis through CNMV - report

MADRID (Thomson Financial) - Imperial Tobacco Group PLC is mulling a third offer for Altadis SA without prior consultation with the Franco-Spanish group's board, La Gaceta de los Negocios reported citing sources close to the operation.

The newspaper quoted its unnamed sources saying that Altadis' board is likely to continue to push for higher offers unless Imperial formalises a bid through bourse regulator the CNMV.

Royalblue buys software company LatentZero for up to 63 mln stg

LONDON (Thomson Financial) - Royalblue Group PLC said it has conditionally agreed to buy privately-held software company LatentZero Ltd for up to 63 mln stg, and that the deal will open up 'significant new business opportunities'.

The financial software company said the maximum payment of 63 mln stg comprises an initial payment of 38 mln stg and a deferred payment of up to 25 mln stg.

Barclays sells Japan trust unit for 21 mln stg