There was talk in the market of a takeover at Prudential by HBOS, however, the banking group quickly quashed any such suggestions to leave the FTSE 100 almost flat at close of business.
The FTSE 100 index dropped just 2 points to 4,615.4 by the end of Friday, but Liberty International had the best gains and to add16.5p or 1.96% to 859p. Talk surfaced earlier today which indicated the life insurance group Prudential Assurance was the subject of a takeover by HBOS. Pru’s closest rival Aviva eventually closed up 9p or 1.7% to 537.5p while Pru earned an extra 5.75p or 1.49% to 392p from the rumour. Similarly Easyjet is rumoured to be a target for an Icelandic airline, so has seen its share price jump. Easyjet closed up 21p or 16% to 152p. Amvescap closed down 11p or 3...
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