The second quarter of 2006 was one of the most active for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) involving Irish companies, both in terms of the value and number of deals, the second quarter M&A Tracker survey by corporate finance firm Ion Equity revealed today.

The ISEQ index of shares slipped back from the 8000 mark today, down 9.17 to 7987.75.

The ISEQ rose 23.53 points to stand at 8020.45 at 10.30am today.

Kingspan has confirmed it is in talks with the owners of the Hytherm/Xtratherm Group regarding the ISEQ-listed company’s potential acquisition of the group.