Other done deals:

• Retec Digital plc, which provides systems for retailers to promote their products, has purchased Liquid Digital, a designer and operator of in-store digital screens, for £250,000
• The former boss of discount clothing retailer MK One, Elaine McPherson, has bought Merseyside retailer Ethel Austin from administrator Menzies Corporate Restructuring
• Construction firm Esh Group has bought renewable energy companies Green Energies and Pure Renewable Energies for £250,000
• Jelf Group plc, an insurance, healthcare, employee benefits, commercial finance and wealth management provider has purchased broker Godfrey Moore

Deals in the pipeline:

• Barclays has been reported as considering a takeover bid for Lehman Brothers or UBS
• Financial services firm DL Merchant Banking, the private equity arm of Credit Suisse, is set to acquire school holiday organiser Education & Adventure Travel Group, for some £100 million