The FTSE 250 index was down 0.25% at 21,219.48 at 1450 BST.
Brewin Dolphin topped the risers after it agreed a £1.6bn takeover by Royal Bank of Canada, which is looking to expand its wealth management operations.
Brewin shares soared 61% to 512p each, just shy of the 515p a share offered by RBC.
Shares in Trainline were up 24% as the online platform agreed to reduce the commission it receives for selling train tickets as part of a review by the rail industry.
The FTSE 250 company said it signed an agreement with Rail Delivery Group, which represents train operators and the rail network, that starts on 1 April 2025.
The deal will cut commission rates for Trainline and other sellers of rail tickets to 4.5% from 5% and reduce central industry costs. The net result will be a reduction of commissions of about 0.25 point.
On the downside, shares in CMC Markets fell sharply after the stock was downgraded to ‘sell’ by Canaccord with a price target of 257 pence.
FTSE 250 – Risers
Brewin Dolphin Holdings (BRW) 512.00p 61.01%
Trainline (TRN) 246.20p 24.22%
Rathbone Group (RAT) 1,986.00p 12.59%
Polymetal International (POLY) 321.00p 5.14%
Quilter (QLT) 143.45p 3.02%
AJ Bell (AJB) 302.80p 2.92%
TBC Bank Group (TBCG) 1,134.00p 2.53%
Bridgepoint Group (Reg S) (BPT) 350.00p 2.49%
Moonpig Group (MOON) 223.40p 2.38%
Vesuvius (VSVS) 338.60p 2.36%
FTSE 250 – Fallers
CMC Markets (CMCX) 267.00p -8.25%
Frasers Group (FRAS) 641.00p -4.68%
SSP Group (SSPG) 230.60p -4.20%
Moneysupermarket.com Group (MONY) 191.50p -3.91%
Travis Perkins (TPK) 1,245.50p -3.37%
Pets at Home Group (PETS) 361.00p -3.27%
Micro Focus International (MCRO) 407.10p -3.19%
Oxford Biomedica (OXB) 668.00p -3.05%
Auction Technology Group (ATG) 988.00p -2.95%
Virgin Money UK (VMUK) 172.85p -2.89%
