A TAKEOVER approach for International Nuclear Solutions, which was hived off and floated by Salford-based Robotic Technology Systems last year, sent its shares soaring.

They gained almost 10 per cent, or 6p, to reach 66.5p after the company admitted it had received a preliminary approach.

In a stock market statement, INS said: "The board is considering this matter, which is at a very early stage. There can be no guarantee of an offer being made for the company. A further announcement will be made in due course."

INS is led by chief executive Tony Moore and chairman Chris Brown. It provides engineering and consultancy services for nuclear clean-up and decommissioning operations around the UK.

Among its contracts is a é15m deal to supply plant and equipment to Carillion for a project at Sellafield. Other customers include British Nuclear Group and Edmund Nuttall.

In the six months to June 30 last year, INS turned over é12.57m and posted pre-tax profits of é192,000.

It said the order book was at a record level. INS operates in a fast-growing sector and has expanded staff numbers significantly to meet the increase in activity in the UK nuclear industry.

INS has also opened a project office at Birchwood, Warrington.

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