THE La Cala Resort in Mijas, Málaga has been voted the best golf resort in southern Spanish region of Andalucía by a panel of industry experts.

TAKEOVER speculation drove the shares of FBD nearly 20% up by lunchtime yesterday on rumours Dutch insurance giant Eureko was lining up a bid for the Irish group, founded by farmers to meet their own farm insurance needs.

Insurance group FBD has entered into a conditional agreement to sell a major portion of the building development land it owns at La Cala Resort, Mijas, Spain, in a cash deal.

INSURER FBD plans more insurance premium price cuts after reporting a 27.7% increase in pre-tax profits to €135 million.

A group of eight young Irish golfers have spent a week in a training camp at the La Cala Resort in Mijas in preparation for this year’s international championships.

FBD generated pre-tax profits of €58.9 million for the six months to end June 2004 and has committed to a €30m loyalty discount to core customers.

FBD Holdings has reported continued strong growth for the six months ending June 30, 2004.