Aviva bid speculation boosts FTSE

Scott Sinclair
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Insurers rallied on Friday following speculation over bid interest in Aviva's general insurance business.

Reports More Than insurer RSA approached its rival with an estimated £5bn offer for its GI propositions in the UK and other markets saw Aviva shares advance almost 4.3% in early trading. According to Sky News, the Aviva board immediately rejected the offer and no discussions are currently taking place between the companies. But the speculation has also boosted Legal & General, up 3% to 91p, Standard Life, up 2.55% to 209p, and Prudential, up 2.44% to 567p. The biggest rise in the FTSE 100 came from TUI Travel, which advanced 5% to 203p after Goldman Sachs upgraded the stock to buy....

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