Colt sees shares surge on report

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Shares in pan-European firm Colt Telecom have surged after a press report said it might be the target of a takeover by US firm AT&T.

The Guardian newspaper said Fidelity Investments, which holds a 60% stake in the firm, is urging AT&T to buy the company at 300-pence-a-share.

Colt responded in a statement by saying it noted the share price movements but knew of "no reason for the increase".

Colt's shares ended 18% higher by close of trade in London at 182 pence.

Based on a 300-pence-a-share offer, Colt would be worth more than Â£2bn ($4.1bn).

Earlier in the year, Colt said market conditions would remain difficult for the rest 2007.