PRESS DIGEST - FINANCIAL TIMES - DEC 14 =6

SPIRENT SEES SECOND-HALF LIFT

Telecommunications testing equipment group Spirent Communications (SPT.L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) predicted that second-half earnings would be "somewhat ahead of expected levels" due to continued improvement in its Performance Analysis testing business. Strong performance in Performance Analysis's wireless products, and outperformance of its newest range of broadband products, had offset declining sales of its legacy broadband products, the company said. Nick James, an analyst at Panmure Gordon, forecast pre-tax profit for the full year of 31.2 million pounds on revenue of 235 million and upgraded his earnings per share estimate by 11 percent to 3.3 pence.

STRONG DEMAND BOOSTS SPICE

Utility services group Spice (SPI.L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) reported a more than 44 percent jump in first-half profit, citing heavy demand for electricity and water services. Pre-tax profit rose from 5.8 million pounds to 8.3 million pounds in the six months to October 28. Turnover was up to 143.4 million pounds (102.6 million pounds). Spice was benefiting from rising concerns over fuel and energy costs as well as higher spending in infrastructure, said chief executive Simon Rigby.

TELECITY BRINGS SPENDING FORWARD