Friends Provident

Over the past few weeks, the UK market has been experiencing some broadening out, and we have seen the defensive sectors playing catch-up with good share price rises in tobacco and food producers, for example.

Friends Provident has ended discussions with Resolution after rejecting yet another takeover proposal by the Clive Cowdery-led group.

Clive Cowdery's consolidation vehicle Resolution returned to the negotiating table with a sweetened offer for Friends Provident this morning.

Cheery results for a trio of US bluechip giants kept the Dow Jones in with a shout of posting positive gains for a fifth straight day on Friday.

The FTSE 100 was heading upwards this afternoon after a turbulent day of trading in London, up 18.38 points (0.43%) to 4,252.65.

Friends Provident completed the demerger of F&C Asset Management today (Friday 3 July) with its controlling stake in the firm distributed to all Friends' shareholders.

London markets opened higher this morning, regaining some of Thursday's lost ground, with the FTSE 100 up 12.32 points (0.29%) to 4,246.59.

Friends Provident has issued a circular to shareholders proposing the de-merger of F&C Asset Manageme...

Friends Provident is looking to restructure £800m of debt ahead of its demerger from F&C. The compa...