O2 rumours keep FTSE higher

Mobile phone network, O2 leads the UK benchmark, adding 4p to 136.25p over rumours of a bid from Deutsche Telekom. Pharmaceuticals firm AstraZeneca is also 44p higher to 2311p, along with Royal & Sun Alliance group adding 1.5p to 83.75p. High street fashion retailer Next, has also advanced 27p to 1509p. The firm is looking to gain shareholder approval at a extraordinary general meeting next month, for amendments to its risk/reward investment plan to encourage its executive directors and senior managers to stay on. Next claims its senior staff are 'frequently targeted' by private-equit...