MERGERS and acquisition deals involving Irish companies soared in 2004 to €10.4 billion, up 33%.

SENIOR management at troubled luxury goods firm Waterford Wedgwood saw their pay fall by 15%.

STRUGGLING luxury goods maker Waterford Wedgwood will finally publish its annual report later this week.

A WEAKER dollar and lower demand for luxury goods were to blame for pre-tax losses of €45 million at Waterford Wedgwood, the company said yesterday.

The ISEQ rallied in early morning trade after Tuesday's slump in world stocks caused by uncertainty over rising oil prices.