London’s FTSE 250 was up 0.2% at 23,210.52 in afternoon trade on Thursday
Telecommunications provider Airtel Africa surged to the top of the index after it posted a jump in first-half profit and revenue, with “strong” performances across its regional segments and key services.
Bytes Technology was in the black after it said it was trading well as the software and security group reported a 19% increase in first-half profit.
Magners, Bulmers and Tennent’s maker C&C Group fizzed higher after saying it swung back to a profit in the first half as revenues grew thanks to the reopening of hospitality venues.
Synthomer gained as it agreed to buy Adhesive Technologies – the Adhesive Resins business of Eastman Chemical Company – for $1bn (£728m) in cash. The deal will be financed through an equity placing to raise around £200m ($275m), existing cash and a new $300m debt facility.
Builders’ merchant Travis Perkins was trading down despite saying that it now expects adjusted operating profit for 2021 to be at least £340m, ahead of current market expectations.
FTSE 250 – Risers
Airtel Africa (AAF) 111.20p 12.04%
Bytes Technology Group (BYIT) 534.50p 9.13%
Baltic Classifieds Group (BCG) 220.00p 6.80%
C&C Group (CDI) (CCR) 265.40p 6.33%
Direct Line Insurance Group (DLG) 298.20p 5.74%
Synthomer (SYNT) 497.20p 4.89%
Auction Technology Group (ATG) 1,368.00p 4.27%
Trainline (TRN) 323.40p 3.59%
Syncona Limited NPV (SYNC) 196.80p 2.39%
TUI AG Reg Shs (DI) (TUI) 245.70p 2.37%
FTSE 250 – Fallers
Helios Towers (HTWS) 157.60p -5.29%
Plus500 Ltd (DI) (PLUS) 1,346.00p -3.99%
Hammerson (HMSO) 32.10p -3.52%
Renishaw (RSW) 5,005.00p -3.29%
Network International Holdings (NETW) 340.60p -3.05%
Micro Focus International (MCRO) 360.20p -2.96%
Workspace Group (WKP) 828.00p -2.93%
Travis Perkins (TPK) 1,539.00p -2.90%
Wood Group (John) (WG.) 220.10p -2.74%
Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings (AML) 1,681.00p -2.64%
