Collins Stewart profit down 82 percent

LONDON (Reuters) - Stockbroker Collins Stewart (CLST.L), which sources familiar with the matter said was in talks with Japan's top securities firm Nomura Holdings (8604.T) on a possible buyout, posted an 82 percent fall in pre-tax profit.

The London-based broker, which operates in stockbroking, capital raising, corporate advisory and wealth management, said last week it had received a preliminary bid approach.

It generated 9.6 million pounds in pre-tax profit in the six months ended June, down from 52 million pounds a year ago.

(Reporting by Daisy Ku; Editing by Paul Bolding)