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Headlines from the Proactive UK newsroom.
The FTSE 100 eased lower as profit takers booked gains after the strong run last week. The blue-chip index dipped 16 points to 6,468 with commentators still trying to explain the extraordinary US jobs number on Friday.
Travel quarantine rules have come into force in the UK from today with another wave of criticism from the industry. Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary slammed the coronavirus rules as a political stunt, while Heathrow said it will cost 25,000 jobs.
AstraZeneca PLC (LON:AZN) has cooled talk about a takeover of Gilead Sciences in what would be the world’s biggest pharma merger. Bloomberg reported Astra had approached Gilead about a month ago, but no talks were ongoing and both companies were focused on their own products, according to reports this morning.
Amanda Staveley is said to be facing a bill for half the £1.6bn she is claiming from Barclays in the financier’s court case against the bank that gets underway today. Staveley wants payment for her part in the Middle East-backed fundraise that rescued the bank in 2008.
Union Jack Oil (LON:UJO) is to acquire a further 12.5% in the onshore UK Wressle development. The oil and gas group’s interest rises to 40% through the deal.
BlueRock Diamonds has arranged a private sale of 2,400 carats of diamonds from the Kareevlei mine at an average of US290per carat or US$700,000 in total. The company says it's an excellent result in a highly uncertain market.
Crossword Cybersecurity PLC (LON:CCS) has signed a three-year contract with Agria Pet Insurance to become a “trusted cybersecurity partner”. The AIM-listed firm said Agria will use Crossword to evaluate the insurer's security controls.
