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Europe open: Stocks rise as oil prices gain ground
European stocks edged up in early trade as investors sifted through more earnings amid rising oil prices, with volumes likely lower than usual as France and Germany enjoyed a bank holiday for Ascension Day, although stock markets there were open.
Bunzl buys into German incontinence market
International distribution and outsourcing group Bunzl announced two fresh acquisitions in Germany on Thursday.
Vanquis Bank helps Provident Financial makes good start to year
Provident Financial said it had made a good start to the year with the profit performance of all businesses in line with or above internal plans for the first quarter driven by growth in its Vanquis credit card unit.
Sage first-half profit drops, buys stake in Fairsail
Software company Sage reported a drop in first-half pre-tax profit despite a rise in revenue, as it announced an agreement to buy a 20. 7% stake in Fairsail.
Rolls-Royce trading in line despite headwinds
Rolls-Royce Holdings was trading in line with expectations, despite challenging market conditions, it was set to confirm at its annual general meeting in Nottingham on Thursday.
Old Mutual reports solid rise in net client cash flows
Banking group Old Mutual reported an 80% rise in net client cash flows in its first quarter on Thursday, to £1. 8bn, citing its vertically-integrated strategy of owning distribution, an investment platform, discretionary fund management and asset management.
Inmarsat cuts full year revenue guidance on back of maritime, energy slowdown
Satellite company Inmarsat has cut its full year revenue guidance by $50m to a range of $1. 175bn - $1. 250bn as the recession in global maritime and energy markets continued.
Smith & Nephew Q1 sales hit by China weakness
Artificial knee and hip maker Smith & Nephew posted a 3% rise in first-quarter revenue, as a solid performance in the US was offset by weakness in China.
London pre-open: Stocks seen higher amid raft of earnings
London stocks were expected open higher on Thursday following declines in the previous session.
BT unveils network investment, Morrisons sales keep improving
London open The FTSE 100 is expected to bounce back with a 22-point rise on Thursday morning.
RSA says 'good' Q1 underwriting results to drive operating profits
Heavyweight insurer RSA said first quarter underwriting results were “good” with operating profits up strongly as a consequence.
Thursday newspaper round-up: BT, Wonga, Telefonica, RBS
Liberty Global, the media company that owns Virgin Media in the UK, plans to donate up to £500,000 to the campaign to keep Britain in Europe in one of the largest donations from the corporate sector. The donation, which has to be approved by Liberty Global shareholders, will match the amount already pledged by Goldman Sachs, with a number of other banks also donating lower six-figure amounts. – Financial Times.