Canadian engineering and construction company SNC-Lavalin Group said yesterday that it would acquire Tipperary-based energy services provider Kentz Corp for about £1.164bn (€1.45bn) in cash to expand its offerings in the oil and gas sector.

An oil and gas engineering group is to keep its independence after fighting off takeover interest from British and German rivals.

Shares in the Ireland-founded international engineering services group, Kentz, fell by almost 10% yesterday, after one of the two companies linked to a takeover of the firm withdrew its interest days before the final deadline for binding offers.

Oil and gas-focused Irish engineering firm Kentz Corporation, a target of potential takeover interest, delivered an upbeat outlook for the industry in its first-half results yesterday.

A British oil engineering company has made an approach to buy Clonmel- based Kentz for up to £680m (€797m).

Clonmel-founded engineering group Kentz is subject to takeover speculation linking British engineer Amec to an £800m (€938m) bid as Amec attempts to grow its oil and gas division.

Buoyant banks helped the FTSE 100 Index return to winning ways as shares in state-backed Lloyds Banking Group passed a key threshold today.

Sluggish economic data from the world’s biggest economy offset gains by buoyant banking stocks, sending the FTSE 100 Index into the red and continuing a turbulent performance by the top tier.

Further cracks emerged in the eurozone’s shrinking economy to drag European stock markets lower and ensure another day of losses for the FTSE 100 Index.

Uncertainty over whether US political rivals will agree a crucial spending and taxation deal drove a volatile run on the London market today.

World markets slipped into the red today after a scheme to boost liquidity and ease the eurozone debt crisis failed to settle traders’ nerves.

UK investors lost confidence in the prospect of a speedy resolution to the eurozone debt crisis today, causing London's leading share index to drop into the red.

The London market ended slightly higher as lower oil prices hit the energy sector and overshadowed a strong session for UK insurers.

World markets saw a turnaround in fortunes today after better-than-expected jobs data from the United States calmed nerves about the global economy.

The London market held its nerve today despite a 6% slump for Tokyo’s Nikkei index in the aftermath of Japan’s devastating earthquake and tsunami.

An improved outlook on the crisis in Libya and a raft of positive blue-chip updates saw the FTSE 100 Index break back through the 6000 barrier today.

Blue chip stocks remained deep in the red and oil prices surged past $110 a barrel as the crisis in Libya showed no sign of easing today.

London’s FTSE 100 Index made further advances today thanks to a raft of well-received updates from the likes of Barclays and Schroders.

The London market closed lower today as investors feared US Federal Reserve plans to inject more cash into the economy may fall short of expectations.

The FTSE 100 Index regained some ground today after positive retail figures at home and uplifting unemployment data in the US steadied investors' nerves.

Disappointing US jobs figures brought an abrupt end to stock market recovery efforts today as the FTSE 100 Index slumped 1.6% into the red.

London’s leading share index fell into the red today despite figures confirming a stronger-than-expected economic recovery in the final quarter of 2009.

The FTSE 100 Index enjoyed a buoyant beginning to the week today with utility firms in the takeover spotlight.

The London market searched for direction today as financial firms were out of favour amid reports of a windfall tax on banks.

London's stock market recovery continued apace today as a 1.6% gain took the FTSE 100 Index to a new 14-month high.

London’s blue chip share index staged a sharp recovery today after a smaller-than-expected £25bn (€27.9bn) money boost from the Bank of England.

The FTSE 100 Index held its ground above the 5200 mark today to close at its highest level for more than a year.

Shares in airline stocks flew higher today as the FTSE 100 Index chalked up its fifth winning session in a row.

The FTSE 100 Index dipped into the red today despite economic cheer in America.

Encouraging results from mining heavyweight Kazakhmys ensured the London market made progress in thin pre-holiday trading today.

The London market pulled into positive territory today as early gains on Wall Street helped boost sentiment.

The FTSE 100 Index broke a four-day losing streak today after US bank Wells Fargo gave the sector a surprise lift with forecast-beating results.

Another strong session for blue chip insurers helped London’s leading share index close in positive territory today, despite heavy falls among banks.

Barclays led the FTSE 100 Index to gains of almost 3% today as London’s blue-chip stocks kept up their recent momentum.

A further loss of confidence in the banking sector dragged the FTSE 100 Index down 5% today in a grim day for stock markets worldwide.

UK blue chips were lent some Christmas cheer today as commodities boosted London's leading share index despite further dire news from the retail sector.

The FTSE 100 Index finished the session just 1% lower today after a bail-out of the US car industry helped Wall Street markets open on the front foot.

The London market was under pressure today as lower oil prices and concerns over the global economy weighed on sentiment.

Early optimism surrounding America’s hefty interest rate cut faded fast today as stock market attentions turned to the mounting economic gloom.

Interest rate cut hopes and a smaller-than-expected contraction in the US economy helped the London market consolidate recent gains today.

A nervous London market slipped into the red today despite gains for oil and commodity stocks.

London’s leading share index closed in positive territory today despite a rollercoaster session that saw blue chips swing between losses and gains.

The London market faced more pressure today amid a glut of poor economic news and record oil prices.

British construction firm Morgan Sindall came under pressure today after it warned sluggish housing and property markets would hit the group next year.

The London market closed in the red today after a volatile session amid concerns over the housing market and political tension between Israel and Iran.

The London market plunged 1.8% into the red today as fears over potential interest rate rises spooked investors on both sides of the Atlantic.

The London market held firm in positive territory today as stocks regained their poise following the turmoil seen yesterday on Bradford & Bingley's profits warning.

Banks led a cautious recovery for the London market today as the dust settled after yesterday’s profit warning from Bradford & Bingley.

The FTSE 100 Index fell back below the 6000 mark today as Wall Street jitters put the London market on the back foot.

Further fears over the US economy sent the London market tumbling below the key 6000 barrier today.