In the UK the FTSE 100 Index has surged adding 46.2 points to 4,942.90 points at its close a short while ago.
Spirits group Allied Domeq has jumped as much as 96p or 18% to 633p, after France's Pernod Ricard, said it was in talks to buy the UK firm. Pernod, owner of Jacob's Creek wine, says it has partnered with US group Fortune Brands for a potential purchase. Rentokil Initial also advanced 7.50p to 173.50p, along with Scottish & Newcastle, up 20p to 479.50p and British American Tobacco adding 32p to 957.50p. Shares in the pharmaceutical industry soared after Pfizer said it intends to cut costs by asmuch as $4bn a year by 2008. AstraZeneca profited 65p to £21.46. Yell Group tumbled 46p or ...
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