Compass gives FTSE early boost

Compass, the world's largest caterer, has added 1.7% to 178p after reports claimed Clayton, Dubilier & Rice is sounding out investment advisors about a possible bid for Compass. BP has also increased 0.6% to 610p. The company says it will probably report third-quarter profit of $5.68bn, up 36% from a year earlier as record energy prices compensated for losses at hurricane-damaged rigs and refineries. Royal Dutch Shell, which will report on October 27, is likely to say earnings were $5.38bn, up 22%, according to analysts’ estimates. Elsewhere Corus, Britain's biggest steel group, is up...