Market down on slow trading

THE Irish exchange was in negative territory yesterday. The ISEQ Index dropped 47 points to 9,596.

AIB added 13c to €21.65. Bank of Ireland dipped 5c to €15.95. Anglo fell 22c to €16 and Irish Life and Permanent climbed 5c to €19.20.

C&C said yesterday it had begun its share buyback programme on Monday buying 300,000 shares at €€11.92. The Magners producer declined 19c to €11.60. Pharmaceutical company Elan was 9c weaker at €16.15. UTV jumped 30c to €6.05 as Lydian Capital Partners, a private equity firm, entered talks to buy the radio assets of Chrysalis.