Internet travel outfit - Ebookers - has confirmed that it is in talks with "several interested parties" to sell the company. Industry whispers reckon that Lastminute.com and the outfits behind Expedia and Travelocity could be sniffing round to snap up Ebookers.

In a statement issued to the stock exchange this afternoon the company said: "Ebookers has noted the recent press speculation and movement in its share price. Following recent approaches which the company has received, the board of Ebookers confirms that it is considering a possible sale of the company, and preliminary discussions are being held in this regard with several interested parties. However, these discussions are at a very early stage and may or may not lead to an offer being made for the Company."

By late afternoon shares in Ebookers were up 47.25p (26 per cent) at 232p.

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