Crystal group is silent on buy-out rumour

WATERFORD Wedgwood's results were pushed down the agenda yesterday fuelled by on-going speculation that the group might be taken private by its major shareholder, Tony O'Reilly.

Chief executive, Redmond O'Donoghue, added further to the speculation by refusing to comment either way.

While the group's shares rose six cent to 46c after the publication of the results they fell back to 44c by mid afternoon, and ended flat at the close. At that price they are just marginally above their five-year low of 33c.