PUBLIC MARKS from Ralpharama with tags economy & equity

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.