THE results of the take up of Unilever's offer of 323p per share to Lyons Irish Holdings' minority shareholders will be known this morning. Unilever will inform the stock exchange of the response from the 1,170 Lyons shareholders. The take up is expected to be very poor and Unilever will send a document to the Lyons shareholders this afternoon, outlining its position. There is speculation that Unilever will extend the closing date and improve the offer.

The Lyons board wrote to the shareholders last week urging them to reject the offer, saying it was derisory. It pointed out that Lyons had a cash hoard of £48 million. The Lyons board is expected to meet tomorrow to review developments.