Stock Watch: Takeover Speculation Fuels Freeserve ADRs

Freeserve (Nasdaq: FREE) American depositary receipts rose 6 1/2 to 78 1/2 Wednesday after the Financial Times reported that Dixons Plc is considering selling its 80 percent stake in the UK-based Internet service provider to T-Online of Germany.

The paper said electronics retailer Dixons is also considering other options for its stake. Earlier this month, Dixons hired investment bankers Goldman, Sachs & Co. to help it review alternatives for its stake in Freeserve.