Shareholders in beleaguered telecoms company Stentor will learn today of the true extent of the company's problems when it releases its much-delayed results for the year to the end of March last. It is thought likely that pre-tax losses of more than £5.5 million will be reported by the company which is quoted on the AIM in London.

It is not clear yet whether today's announcement will include details of the expected takeover of the company whose chief executive is Mr Patrick Cruise O'Brien, son of Conor Cruise O'Brien.

US cable group NTL was reported to be interested but only offered the company 10p per share. In addition, it would have assumed Stentor's debt.

This offer was made prior to Monday when Stentor's shares plummeted from 60p sterling to 28.5p sterling and the company sought a suspension of trading for the second time this year. At one stage its shares traded at more than 200p.

NTL already has a presence in Northern Ireland through its Cabletel subsidiary.