Tracking these for a potential buy in near future - hit by war prospects - lack of MBO bid and general malaise of the air travel business

ains

LONDON, July 21 (Reuters) - French construction and management firm Vinci sold its remaining 10.1 percent stake in British airports company TBI (566085) for more than 36 million pounds ($66.3 million), dealers said on Wednesday.

Brokerage Evolution Beeson Gregory sold 56.5 million TBI shares at 64 1/2 pence to institutions and others, dealers said, adding that some had been bought by investment firms Laxey Partners and J.O. Hambro.

Vinci no longer has a stake in TBI, dealers said. The French firm was not immediately available to comment. TBI was also unavailable for comment.

Shares in TBI -- the owner of Luton airport, north of London -- were up 4.7 percent at 66-1/4 pence by 1344 GMT on heavy trading volume of 122 million shares. Dealers said the shares were lifted after Vinci's remaining stake was sold, as the expectation of a sale had been hanging over the shares for some time.

"There's been a lot of speculation in recent weeks that Vinci would sell the rest, so now there's going to be quite a lot of interest in the stock," said one trader.

Vinci pulled out of a takeover bid for TBI in September 2001 after the attacks that month in the United States plunged the aviation industry worldwide into a recession

So whats to do here. Should I buy?

I think a t/o for TBI is coming now that Vinci has backed off.
What price ?? Well I expect it to be 1 and I think the owners will be keen to sell. I see that Jumbos are now flying from Cardiff International Airport to Orlando. Also from what I hear most of the seats get taken.

Interims Tuesday 16th

TBI confirms has received prelimnary approach which may lead to a bid for co
AFX


LONDON (AFX) - TBI PLC has confirmed it has received a preliminary approach which may lead to a bid for the company.

It said discussions are at a preliminary stage and that 'there are no assurances agreement can be reached'.

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