London’s FTSE 250 was down 0.3% at 20,352.25 in afternoon trade on Wednesday.
Wood Group was weaker as it agreed to sell its Built Environment consulting business to WSP for around $1.9bn. The company said proceeds from the sale will be used to reduce net debt and strengthen the balance, and “provide financial flexibility” to deliver its strategy.
Pets at Home fell at it announced the appointment of Lyssa McGowan as group chief executive with immediate effect. She succeeds Peter Pritchard, who announced his intention to step down in November last year after 11 years at the company.
Going the other way, iconic bootmaker Dr Martens rocketed to the top of the index after it posted a surge in annual pre-tax profits, driven by a “very strong performance” in the Americas and Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
FTSE 250 – Risers
Dr. Martens (DOCS) 270.60p 25.05%
Ferrexpo (FXPO) 188.80p 8.07%
RHI Magnesita N.V. (DI) (RHIM) 2,584.00p 7.22%
Babcock International Group (BAB) 351.80p 4.21%
Mediclinic International (MDC) 402.40p 3.44%
IntegraFin Holding (IHP) 311.80p 3.38%
Vesuvius (VSVS) 364.20p 3.17%
Helios Towers (HTWS) 117.40p 3.16%
Countryside Partnerships (CSP) 285.40p 2.88%
Serco Group (SRP) 180.70p 2.55%
FTSE 250 – Fallers
Wood Group (John) (WG.) 222.90p -6.58%
Synthomer (SYNT) 307.80p -6.22%
Chrysalis Investments Limited NPV (CHRY) 130.60p -3.55%
Ninety One (N91) 218.20p -3.45%
Liontrust Asset Management (LIO) 1,078.00p -3.41%
Abrdn Private Equity Opportunities Trust (APEO) 469.00p -3.30%
IP Group (IPO) 84.55p -2.98%
Syncona Limited NPV (SYNC) 204.00p -2.86%
Pets at Home Group (PETS) 338.00p -2.59%
Hill & Smith Holdings (HILS) 1,358.00p -2.58%
