Two companies

scrapped stock market flotations yesterday, blaming unpredictable conditions.

Bakkavör, one of the biggest makers of ready meals for supermarkets, pulled out of its planned float. TV and mobile mast owner Arqiva also put its £6billion listing on hold.

The companies’ decisions raise questions about London’s position as a leading market for companies to list their shares.

Bakkavör makes pizza, houmous and other own-brand foods for retailers such as M&S and Tesco.