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

Drinks group Allied Domecq topped the list of blue-chip risers in London today after talk of possible bid interest sent its shares up by almost 3%.

The sale of online auctioneer QXL Ricardo looked uncertain tonight after it said a recent approach undervalued the company.

The London market failed to find enough momentum to end the week on a high note today as the weak US dollar dampened spirits.

A former darling of the dotcom boom was today on the brink of being sold for €17m – four years after being valued at €2.1bn.

Jitters over the impact of the weak dollar on the prospects of major UK companies left the London market on course for a negative end to the week today.

The FTSE 100 Index built on its recent winning streak today to end the week at another 29-month high.

Online auctioneer QXL Ricardo saw its share price surge more than 80% today after it confirmed it was in takeover talks.

Companies reporting results next week include:

The FTSE-100 Index was off 22.3 point at 5255.8 at mid-morning as investors reaped the rewards of recent gains.