FTSE climbs as Pru rejects Aviva bid

Prudential has risen 12% to 753p after it rejected an approach from larger rival Aviva. Aviva shares gained 2.2% to 869.5p. Legal & General has advanced 4.5% to 150p. The insurer is extending gains for a second day after saying 2005 profit more than doubled. Anglo American has also climbed 3.2% to 2,101p on news Stora Enso Oyj, the largest paper maker, is considering a £4.5bn bid for Anglo's Mondi paper and packaging unit. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 Stock Average climbed 285.07 points, or 1.7%, to 16,624.80 points led by brokerages and banks. Nomura Holdings gained 90 yen, or 3.6%, to...