Friday tips round-up: LSE, Petrofac...

The pending merger of Bats Global Markets of the US and Chi-X looks like the end of an interesting if, with the benefit of hindsight, doomed experiment. The question now is what effect will it have on the LSE's revenues to have one real rival, with a market share of maybe a third in FTSE 100 stocks, rather than a lot of loss-making irritants?LSE shares are a weird market. They veer up and down wildly on daft bid rumours, even though more than a third of the capital is in friendly Middle Eastern hands. At present they are towards the top of their range, selling on more than 13 times this year's earnings. High enough given the uncertainties says the Times.Though small, InterQuest is an interesting business. It comprises 11 separate specialist units providing IT staff for various sectors, such as banking, insurance and retailing. FinnCap, the company's own broker, has them on 7.5 times this year's earnings and yielding just short of 4%. Worth following if you can lay your hands on the shares says the Times.Petrofac has finally won the second tranche of a contract to develop the South Yoloten gas field in Turkmenistan. The first, exploratory phase worth $100m (£65m) was won a year ago. It had been expected that the second, worth $3.4bn, might be clinched a couple of months ago. Petrofac's share price has progressed in a virtual straight line since the start of the year from below £10 to £15.84 yesterday, putting the shares on more than 18 times next year's earnings. Hard to see what will spur further progress says the Times.Please note: Digital Look provides a round-up of news, tips and information that is impacting share prices and the market. Digital Look cannot take any responsibility for information provided by third parties. This is for your general information only as not intended to be relied upon by users in making an investment decision or any other decision. Please obtain a copy of the relevant publication and carry out your own research before considering acting on any of this information.