Readymix will enjoy “a significant improvement in financial performance will be delivered in 2006”, it was indicated at the company's AGM.

Pharmaceutical company Elan saw its stock rise by over 15% following the announcement that it's multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri is expected to be put back on the market in the coming months after being withdrawn a year ago due to safety concerns.

SHARES in concrete maker Readymix plummeted by more than 15% yesterday before staging a recovery to end 5% down on the day.

PRE-TAX profits at Readymix Plc fell by 21%, despite a 6% increase in turnover in the first six months of the year, as a result of reduced margins in the face of tough competition in the Irish market.

The ISEQ closed 150 points lower, or 2.86%, at 5,106 this evening, as Ryanair slumped over 25%, losing more than €1.5bn in value after the company warned that lower fares would result in a fall in its full-year profits and that yields in the three months to March 2004 could fall by as much as 30%.

ISEQ-listed building company Readymix said today that it has completed two acquisitions since the beginning of 2004.