Some of London’s biggest stocks were in focus today as the FTSE 100 Index made strong progress after the holiday weekend.

Australian software firm IBA Health was today in talks with investors over a potential £132.3m (€194m) offer for NHS software company iSoft.

NHS software company iSoft today conceded that talks about the future ownership of the firm were taking longer than expected to conclude.

Profit taking and weaker metal prices caused the mining sector to drag on the London market today, while fading hopes of a bid battle for supermarket giant Sainsbury did little to cheer investors.

Weak performance from the mining sector and fading hopes of a takeover tussle for supermarket giant Sainsbury weighed heavy on the London market today.

Speculation over the future ownership of NHS software company iSoft took another twist today as it emerged that an Australian software firm was in talks over a potential offer.

A fresh round of takeover speculation helped boost the London market today as the Footsie powered through the 6400 barrier during afternoon trading.

The FTSE 100 Index broke through the 6400 barrier before settling near to its opening mark today.

Shares in Corus soared 5% today as investors sat back and enjoyed a dramatic bidding war for the Anglo-Dutch steel company.

The FTSE 100 Index closed above the 6200 mark today for the first time since February 2001.

Troubled British health service software firm iSoft was under fresh investigation today into possible accounting irregularities.

Shares in iSoft rallied today as the company involved in a project to provide electronic NHS patient records secured the support of its banks.

The firm at the heart of the troubled NHS computer upgrade secured vital support today after its financial woes had been laid bare, with net losses totalling £382.2m (€565.8m).

The firm at the heart of the troubled British National Health Service computer upgrade posted net losses of £382.2m (€564.3m) today as it counted the cost of a “turbulent” year.

Shares in three high-profile companies moved sharply today as investors reacted decisively to the publication of half-year results.

London’s leading shares bounced back into positive territory today with drinks can maker Rexam spearheading the recovery.

The company at the heart of the troubled British National Health Service (NHS) computer upgrade today said the UK’s financial watchdog had launched an investigation into possible accounting irregularities at the firm.

FINE Gael last night warned the health service could be heading for another major computer fiasco as question marks were raised over the future of a company awarded a €56 million contract.

The FTSE 100 Index struggled for direction today despite strong gains from online casino PartyGaming.

A fresh round of merger speculation drove the FTSE 100 Index towards the 6000 threshold today, helping it close in positive territory for the first time this week.

THE Health Service Executive (HSE) awarded a company a €56 million contract this year, despite one of the country's biggest hospitals expressing repeated dissatisfaction with the same firm.

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern refused to answer a series of questions in the Dáil yesterday on yet another controversial Government IT project.

THE Health Service Executive (HSE) is planning to spend up to €400 million on an IT system that former Health Minister Micheál Martin ordered stopped because he feared costs would spiral out of control.

AFTER having to suspend the introduction of a new €150 million health service payroll system, the Health Service Executive (HSE) admitted last night that it has no plans to send representatives to India to ensure that a €56m hospital software package works in Ireland.

Fears that Vodafone could be dragged into another high-profile bid battle and higher inflation conspired to send the London market into the red today.

London’s FTSE 100 Index crept closer to the 4000 barrier today as the market’s recent crisis of confidence continued.

Investors were again struggling to find positive news to lift the mood in London today as the FTSE 100 Index edged closer to the 4000 barrier.

Unitech Systems, a leading technology consultancy, has carried out an innovative IT solutions project at the South Eastern Health Board (SEHB).