Coincidence? - returns

Here's an interesting snippet - Flowserve, the US pump manufacturer, yesterday abruptly cancelled plans to present at Gabelli's 26th Annual Pump, Valve and Water Systems Symposium in New York.

"Due to weather-related travel complications, Karyn Ovelmen, executive vice president and chief financial officer, will not be able to present as previously planned," said Flowserve in a brief statement. Here is the link to the statement:

http://phx.corporate-ir.net/mobile.view?c=79032&v=203&d=1&id=2143382

Now, we all know what happened the last time a well-known shareholder of one the world's largest brewers cancelled plans to attend an industry conference. In case you don't remember, here are the links:

http://betaville123.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/coincidence.html

and

http://betaville123.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/coincidence-part-2.html

So, last night's "news" about Flowserve has a got a few City types hot under the collar because there have been vague rumours - and I mean vague and unsubstantiated RARE-type rumours - going around the London market for the last few weeks that some corporate entity has been taking a look at Weir Group.

I guess, then, it's another round for the speculators of 2+2 = 4 or 2+2 = 5.

For readers unfamiliar with the definition of RARE, here is the definition:

Market gossip that hasn't been tested through formal journalistic channels (public relations executives, bankers etc). The rumour might be total codswallop but then again there may be something in it, so it's worth airing on Betaville.