Stockbroker Old Park Lane poised to announce rescue merger Solo's chief executive, Anne Stratford-Martin, the former chief operating officer and director of legal at Cantor Index, joined the Old Park Lane board as a director last month, according to filings at Companies House. The company slumped to a £435,578 loss for the year to December 31 2013, down from a profit of £82,056 the previous year. Turnover fell 57pc over the same period, from £1.8m in 2012 to £777,527 last year. In the 2013 accounts, directors said they were "optimistic" about a forthcoming merger that would "substantially and immediately bolster the profitability of the business." But Old Park Lane's auditor, Citroen Wells, warned that the company needed further equity capital to meet regulatory capital requirements. "Should the negotiations with the strategic partner not complete, and existing shareholders do not provide further support to the company if requested, there would be material uncertainty as to the company's ability to continue as a going concern," it said. It is understood that Old Park Lane approached another well-known City brokerage about a takeover in recent months. The firm, which asked not to be named, decided not to pursue the deal. Mr Parnes set up Old Park Lane in 2007 to focus on Aim and international dual listings, equities trading, CFDs and spread betting. Solo Capital and Old Park Lane declined to comment.