Five companies may float in 2004

AS many as five companies may float on the Irish Stock market in 2004, chief executive Tom Healy is predicting.

Reviewing last year’s performance, Mr Healy said 2004 may see a turn for the better in the market after a fallow three years.

Already market speculation suggests at least three definite contenders, in the form of C&C, Jefferson Smurfit Group and the return of eircom is also a strong possibility.