The prospect of a bidding war for Detica, regarded as one of most attractive British software companies, has emerged after BAE Systems made an informal offer.
After the market closed, Detica said it had received an initial approach from an unnamed party. The shares rose 22p to 303p yesterday, giving Detica a market capitalisation of £351m, as speculation grew about the possible approach. The shares have been hit recently because of the company's exposure to the financial services market.
