PUBLIC MARKS from Ralpharama with tag economy

Parent company of HallsBeeline and Stanley Decorating team announces acquisition by German-based painting and decorating tools firm. The agreement will see Color Expert take sole ownership of both HallsBeeline and Stanley decorating products divisions, including offices, warehouses and manufacturing facilities on both Leeds and Morecambe.

Commercial building activity rose in July according to the latest industry report. The Total Commercial Activity Index, from property services firm Savills showed a rise to 58.2 from 56.2 in an index where anything above 50 represents an expanding market.

Kingfisher up on private equity bid; Home Retail reassures brokers. Kingfisher saw its shares hit the heights on rumours of a possible bid from private-equity groups. Industry analysts said that interest centres on Kingfisher's international operations, including a 21% stake in Hornbach, its expansion in China, Turkey and Taiwan, and 'substantial' property assets, which represent 50% of the company's current market value.

Diyers projected to spend 57bn - The British Insurance Brokers' Association (Biba) is urging homeowners to ensure that home improvements and renovations are covered by their insurance policies.