Share dealings in Jurys Doyle are under scrutiny by the Stock Exchange for the second time in a month, after the Precinct Consortium's second takeover approach to the company this week.

Jurys said on Wednesday afternoon that it had received a new approach from Precinct at €16.25. The firm's shares had risen sharply in early trade, climbing by almost 3 per cent by mid-morning. They gained further ground after the statement was released.

The Stock Exchange did not comment on the matter yesterday but it is believed the early climb in Jury's shares is being examined.

Likewise, the exchange has been looking at share price movements recorded prior to Precinct's earlier approach at the start of this month.

Precinct chairman J.J. Murphy said last night that neither his consortium's shareholders nor Precinct itself had bought any shares in the hotel group.

A spokesman for Jurys said meanwhile that the company had issued Wednesday's statement promptly and "in line with all regulatory requirements".

Shares in Jurys weakened yesterday for the second day in a row, closing 25 cents lower at €15.25. The move suggests that some in the market are losing faith in the success of a Precinct approach at €16.25.

The Jurys board has not met to discuss the latest approach in detail but a meeting is expected to take place early next week.

The balance of power on the matter lies with the Doyle and Beatty families who together own 30 per cent of the takeover target.

Some market sources were last night predicting that the board would decide to sell the firm's eight-acre site at Ballsbridge without selling the overall company. This would involve another rejection for Precinct while simultaneously inviting the interest of numerous property developers who have little interest in acquiring other Jurys assets.

Property experts believe the site could fetch between €200 and €300 million.