STOCK WATCH

TAKEOVER talk sent shares in flooring firm Airea soaring.

Fellow flooring specialist James Halstead says it is at the ‘very early stages of making an offer’ for Aim-listed Airea.

However, the board of Airea says it has not received an offer, or even spoken to the board of James Halstead about a potential bid.

Under takeover rules, James Halstead must announce a firm intention to bid by 5pm on May 2.

Airea’s shares shot up 16.3pc, or 8.25p, to 59p.