Bid talk takes FTSE to 4 1/2 year high

Vodafone bounced 3.8% to 124.50p on talk of a boardroom rejig. Dealers said Vodafone chief executive Arun Sarin could be under pressure to step down amid a major boardroom shuffle, although others dismissed the reports as speculative gossip. Other talk had miners back in the spotlight with Xstrata benefiting from talk BHP Billiton is interesting in making a possible bid for its smaller rival. Xstrata gained 1.48% to 1,645p while BHP Billiton fell 0.10% to 961p. Cadbury Schweppes was up 1.51% at 573p as reports the confectionary group could face a possible bid refused to die down. Hershe...