Asian Plantations rose strongly on Monday after confirming speculation it is 'in discussions with a number of parties' which might lead to its sale. The palm oil production company gave the confirmation after a report appeared in The Star newspaper in Malaysia on March 1st which suggested the company was specifically in discussions with FELDA Global Ventrures Holdings. It neither confirmed nor denied that this was one of the parties with which it was holding discussions. Asian Plantations said it would make further announcement "in due course". The shares rose 16.28% to 250p by 13:50 following the announcement. NR