The morning news update with BT, Cranswick, Plexus and Naibu Global

FTSE 100

BT Group (BT.A) – has received expressions of interest from shareholders in two UK mobile network operators, of which one is O2, about a possible transaction in which BT would acquire their UK mobile business.

AstraZeneca (AZN) – Duaklir Genuair has been granted Marketing Authorisation by the European Commission (EC) to be used as a maintenance bronchodilator treatment to relieve symptoms in adult patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Petrofac (PFC) – on track to deliver full year 2014 net profit towards the lower end of the $580 million to $600 million range provided in previous guidance

FTSE 250

Cranswick (CWK) – adjusted profit before tax up by 11.4% to £25.8 million in the six months to September, dividend up by 6% at 10.6p per share.

LondonMetric (LMP) – has exchanged contracts on the sale of Bishop Auckland Shopping Park to Standard Life Investments for £23.6 million, reflecting a net initial yield of 5.27%.

Ophir Energy (OPHR) – Ophir and Salamander Energy have reached agreement on the terms of a recommended acquisition valuing Salamander at £314 million.

Small caps

Elektron Technology (EKT) – is continuing to perform in line with expectations. Group sales for the third quarter from continuing operations amounted to £11.5 million, taking year to date sales to £33.6 million.

Plexus Holdings (POS) – has received a purchase order from a major oil and gas operator worth £1.9 million to supply surface wellhead and mudline equipment services for a gas and condensate exploration well in the UK Continental Shelf in the North Sea.

Avingtrans (AVG) – now expects group revenue and profitability in respect of the current financial year to be similar to that reported for FY14.

MoPowered (MPOW) – revenue for the second half and therefore the year as a whole is expected to be lower than the market expectation of £1.6 million.

Naibu Global (NBU) – since the interim results for the half year to 30th June, there has been a slowdown in sales at the retail level of Naibu products that has led to some overstocking by distributors. This is expected to lead to a lower level of orders from distributors for next season’s spring and summer collection 2015.