French building materials group Saint Gobain is tipped to boost its Irish presence through a takeover of Tubs and Tiles owner, BHT Group.

THE ISEQ index fell a further 36.05 points yesterday to close the week at 3,145.72 points as depressing news from Britain, our biggest trading partner, cancelled out morning gains.

An agreed offer for mobile phone giant O2 led a dramatic morning of takeover activity which sent the London market soaring today.