FTSE 100 movers: Melrose surges; LSEG slumps on potential acquisition

(Sharecast News) - London's FTSE 100 was 0.1% higher at 10,666.40 in afternoon trade on Tuesday.

Melrose shot to the top of the index as it said its GKN Aerospace unit had reached a $125m settlement with authorities in California relating to a chemical incident in May and that it continues to expect a phased return to full capacity at the site during the fourth quarter.

NatWest was a high riser after Barclays upgraded the shares to 'overweight' from 'equalweight' and lifted the price target to 850p from 740p.

B&Q and Castorama owner Kingfisher gained as it appointed Sebastian Gundel as its new chief executive officer with effect from 1 February 2027.

The company said Gundel brings more than two decades of leadership experience in the home improvement sector, including as CEO of European home improvement retailer OBI, where he led the company's evolution from traditional retail to a "digitally enabled, customer-centric, omnichannel business".

London Stock Exchange Group lost ground as it confirmed it is in talks with Permira about the potential purchase of Octus for around $3.5bn.

Balfour Beatty fell after it agreed to sell its 50% interest in Hong Kong-based contractor Gammon Construction to joint venture partner Jardine Matheson Holdings for £250m in cash.

FTSE 100 - Risers

Melrose Industries (MRO) 468.70p 4.54% WPP (WPP) 392.40p 4.01% JD Sports Fashion (JD.) 88.24p 3.15% BP (BP.) 603.10p 2.72% NATWEST GROUP (NWG) 670.00p 2.61% Diageo (DGE) 1,708.50p 2.51% Kingfisher (KGF) 326.70p 2.44% Autotrader Group (AUTO) 506.80p 2.20% Croda International (CRDA) 3,490.00p 2.19% British Land Company (BLND) 400.40p 2.09%

FTSE 100 - Fallers

London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) 8,368.00p -3.52% Antofagasta (ANTO) 3,693.00p -2.66% Balfour Beatty (BBY) 862.50p -2.16% Rolls-Royce Holdings (RR.) 1,365.00p -2.05% IMI (IMI) 3,048.00p -1.99% Scottish Mortgage Inv Trust (SMT) 1,623.00p -1.40% Smiths Group (SMIN) 2,734.00p -1.23% Halma (HLMA) 3,506.00p -0.85% Babcock International Group (BAB) 901.20p -0.79% IG Group Holdings (IGG) 969.00p -0.77%