Fresh takeover talk surrounding Allied Domecq failed to keep the FTSE 100 Index in the black today.

The London market slipped back into reverse gear today as sky-high oil prices and losses by pharmaceutical companies took their toll.

The London market held its own above the key 4400 support level today despite a weak start on Wall Street.

A couple who bought a magazine title for a “pittance” have landed a £1.5m (€2.3m) windfall after selling it a decade later, it emerged today.