London’s FTSE 250 was flat at 22,175.65 in afternoon trade on Wednesday.
UDG Healthcare surged after it agreed to be bought by private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice in a £2.6bn deal, as it reported a “strong” first half. Under the terms of the transaction, UDG shareholders will receive 1,023p a share in cash. The acquisition price represents a premium of around 21.5% to UDG’s closing share price on Tuesday.
Redde Northgate shares shot higher as it said full-year profits are set to beat forecasts following a stronger-than-expected second half.
Airtel Africa gained as it reported a jump in full-year revenue and operating profit thanks to a solid performance in all regions.
Going the other way, Just Eat Takeaway shares tumbled on news that rival Delivery Hero is planning to relaunch in Germany later this year two years after selling its operations there.
4Imprint was knocked lower by a downgrade to ‘hold’ at HSBC.
FTSE 250 – Risers
UDG Healthcare Public Limited Company (CDI) (UDG) 1,016.00p 20.67%
Chemring Group (CHG) 299.00p 6.79%
Redde Northgate (REDD) 387.50p 6.16%
Apax Global Alpha Limited (APAX) 202.50p 4.92%
Rank Group (RNK) 188.40p 3.74%
Ferrexpo (FXPO) 502.00p 3.55%
FirstGroup (FGP) 76.55p 3.45%
Mitie Group (MTO) 61.60p 3.18%
Airtel Africa (AAF) 80.35p 3.15%
Dr. Martens (DOCS) 463.00p 2.89%
FTSE 250 – Fallers
Just Eat Takeaway.Com N.V. (CDI) (JET) 6,395.00p -6.15%
4Imprint Group (FOUR) 2,255.00p -3.01%
Hammerson (HMSO) 36.42p -3.01%
Cineworld Group (CINE) 89.96p -2.58%
TUI AG Reg Shs (DI) (TUI) 417.10p -2.46%
Safestore Holdings (SAFE) 888.50p -2.31%
WH Smith (SMWH) 1,713.00p -2.11%
Genus (GNS) 4,744.00p -1.70%
easyJet (EZJ) 1,015.00p -1.69%
John Laing Group (JLG) 355.60p -1.66%
