FTSE 100 opened in the green as Brexit talks seem to be nearing an end though fishing rights remain a sticking point. London’s main index advanced 27 points to 6,598 in early trading.
Talktalk Telecom Group PLC (LON:TALK) has agreed a £1.1bn takeover offer by Tosca IOM. Shareholders can choose whether to receive 97p per share or one unlisted share in the capital of the buyer, formed by asset manager Toscafund and private equity Penta.
Serco Group PLC (LON:SRP) expects profits to grow strongly thanks to the UK government’s heavily criticised COVID-19 test and trace scheme. The outsourcing group also saw increased work for its citizen services and immigration.
Watches of Switzerland Group PLC (LON:WOSG) swung to an interim profit thanks to a boost in UK online sales and growing momentum in the US. The retailer also upgraded guidance for the full year.
Among the small caps, ReNeuron Group PLC (LON:RENE) shares jumped on Thursday after the firm said the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted it a patent for its treatment for a blindness-inducing genetic eye disorder. The AIM-listed firm said the patent will protect both the composition of its hRPC cell-based therapy and its method of use.
Bidstack Group PLC (LON:BIDS) said it is on track to “exceed market expectations” for revenues in its full year as its said demand from advertisers has “significantly increased” in the second half of 2020. The in-game advertising platform said it is also working closely with several leading international advertising agencies and brands.
Kodal Minerals PLC (LON:KOD) has acquired the Fatou Gold Project in southern Mali. Fatou already has a historical compliant NI 43-101 resource of more than 350,000 ounces that is expected to increase based on a funded nine-month drilling programme, Kodal said.