PRESS DIGEST - British business - =6

The transport group National Express (NEX.L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) has unveiled trading in line with City expectations, boosted by growth at its UK trains business.

The company also announced that Adam Walker, its finance director, would be leaving the company after its full-year results in February. The company has already begun the process of finding his replacement.

BIFFA SOARS AFTER REJECTING PRIVATE EQUITY TAKEOVER

Shares in Biffa BIFF.L rose 64.5 pence to 325 pence on Friday after the waste management company said it had rejected a takeover approach from two private equity groups, Montagu Private Equity and HG Capital.

The two private equity groups said their offer would have been at a "significant premium" to Biffa's share price prior to the approach, which was around 250 pence at the beginning of September. The two private equity groups hold a 2.4 percent stake in Biffa.

Prepared for Reuters by Durrants.