PRESS DIGEST - Financial Times - =5

Shares in Vega VEG.L, the provider of consulting and technology services to the government, leapt by ten percent after the company received an "unsolicited" takeover approach.

The shares rose by 19.75 pence to end trading at 219.25 pence after a period of six months in which the shares fell in value by 20 percent.

It is thought that the most likely suitor may be Finmeccanica, which has revenues of around nine billion pounds. Analyst at Charles Stanley Securities, Ian Mitchell, said that a deal of this sort would make sense, as Finmeccanica is a large player and could integrate Vega and use their relationships to extend what they do.

BUSINESS SYSTEMS BACK IN THE BLACK

Business Systems (BSGL.L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), the IT services group, has reported that a change in its business mix has allowed the company to move back into profit for the first time in 18 months.

The company has been attempting to secure stable revenues from contracted services, in order to decrease its dependence on hardware sales. The group has stated that revenue for the six months to September 30, fell by two percent from 16.2 million pounds to 15.8 million pounds, although pre-tax profits stood at 465,000 pounds against losses of 344,000 pounds.

Prepared for Reuters by Durrants.