London's leading shares index closed in the red today after machinery firm Caterpillar and toys giant Hasbro offered more gloom from the US reporting season.

British sausage-skin maker Devro Plc posted a better than expected rise in full-year profit and said it continued to invest in new facilities, reflecting its optimism on the back of rising meat consumption in emerging markets.

BLOODSTOCK tycoon John Magnier yesterday scooped €1.4 million in dividends from a Scottish food firm where he is the largest shareholder.

SHARES in Alltracel Pharmaceuticals rose by 6% yesterday after the fledgling Dublin-based first aid product developer announced two major deals with leading names in the industry.