As much as $2bn (€1.5bn) could be wiped off Elan’s market value if its shareholders reject US firm, Royalty Pharma’s takeover advances next week, brokers have claimed.

THE two “dissident” directors at the heart of the recent boardroom dispute at Irish pharmaceutical firm Elan are to leave their posts — resolving the row.

America Online is eliminating another 1,200 jobs - 8% of its workforce - as the unit reorganises itself, copes with an advertising downturn and integrates with the rest of the AOL Time Warner media conglomerate.