Individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) provider Accuma is bullish on future demand for the debt resolution instrument.

Confirmation of potential takeover talks sent shares in Northern Rock plummeting Monday morning by over 20%. A rescue deal may be weeks away as the bank said discussions were only 'preliminary in nature'.

Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group is today reported to be considering a takeover move on crisis-hit Northern Rock. Shares rose 5p, or 2%, in early trading to 262p.

Crisis hit Northern Rock may survive as an independent group after reports of a financial lifeline.

A bid for Northern Rock will not come in above 190p – that's the conclusion of broker Collins Stewart, as reports of a private equity takeover emerge.

Its shares have come off about 70% this morning but analysts reckon there may be a buying opportunity in Debtmatters.

A break-up of Northern Rock is under consideration after the troubled bank confirmed several potential takeover offers. It could be sold in parts or as a whole, but analysts believe a deal would be difficult to structure.