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Wednesday's most followed - Paddy Power, Asiamet Resources, WPP and potatoes

Published: 12:46 26 Aug 2015 BST

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On another dismal day on the markets, Paddy Power (LON:PAP), WPP (LON:WPP) and potato messaging were among the eclectic themes attracting web browsers on Wednesday.

As Footsie went lower, betting firm Paddy Power (LON:PAP)  announced plans to merge with rival Betfair (LON:BET) in a deal to create a gaming giant.

Paddy said its shareholders would own 52% of the group while Betfair investors would have a 48% stake.

It was the latest move in consolidation of the sector, following on from news of Ladbrokes's (LON:LAD) planned merger with Gala Coral. Paddy shares surged over 17% to 91.86p.

In perhaps one of the bizarrest stories of the day, US firm Potato Parcel was launched in May, it was reported The idea is people use a potato as a medium for messaging others.

The firm has received 3,500 orders for potatoes since May.

For US$7.99, you can send a medium-size potato with a message of up to 100 characters. For a $2 upgrade, you can send a large-size potato with a 140-character limit. Sound familiar - 140 characters is the Twitter limit.

Elsewhere, McDonalds - the fast food chain - was in the news.

UK chief executive Paul Pomroy has defended so-called zero hours contracts to the BBC saying it offered them flexibility in working patterns.

The company is currently reviewing how it will pay the newly introduced National Living Wage to staff aged over 25.

Advertising giant WPP (LON:WPP) saw shares ease 1.62% as its boss stayed upbeat on China despite its downturn, but sounded caution on the UK's EU referendum and the economy.

Martin Sorrell told reporters at the BBC that he was still optimistic about Chinese prospects despite currency devaluations and stock market falls.

Sorrell pointed to China's emergence as a global economic power and the country's burgeoning middle classes.

A big London riser was miner Asiamet Resources (LON:ARS) soared almost 40% after it said it had uncovered a high-grade copper zone at Beruang Kanan (BK), in Kalimantan, Indonesia, that has the potential to transform the economics of the project.

The latest hole produced an 11 metre section containing 2.96% copper. Significantly, it was intercepted from just six metres below surface.

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