PRESS DIGEST - BRITISH BUSINESS PRESS - DEC 15 =6

SALAMANDER PAYS 96 MILLION POUNDS FOR GFI

Independent upstream oil and gas explorer Salamander Energy (SMDR.L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) is to pay 96 million pounds to acquire the Canadian firm GFI Gas & Oil. The deal will allow the firm access to an oil field in Thailand and a gas project in Indonesia owned by GFI GFI.V. Salamander has irrevocable undertakings amounting to seven percent of shares in GFI.

3i LAUNCHES 228 MILLION POUND OFFER FOR INSPICIO

The 3i (III.L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) funded and managed vehicle Angus Newco has made a takeover bid for the AIM-listed inspection and testing specialist Inspicio INP.L valuing the company at 228 million pounds. Indicating the firm's support of the 3i offer, Inspicio chief executive Mark Silver said, "This is a good deal. It will enable us to exploit fully the growth opportunities in the global testing and inspection market." Alan Giddins of 3i linked the Inspicio deal to the private equity group's May acquisition of the Finnish testing business Inspector for 240 million pounds, stating, "it takes us further into a very interesting market space."

The Guardian

MPS URGE KELLY TO INTERVENE OVER FIRSTGROUP FRANCHISE