The Morning News Update with Shire, Unite and Best of the Best

FTSE 100

Shire (SHP) – has entered into a merger agreement pursuant to which Shire will acquire all the outstanding shares of NPS Pharma for $46.00 per share in cash, for a total consideration of approximately $5.2 billion.

FTSE 250

Unite Group (UTG) – has acquired a development site, subject to planning, in the centre of Coventry. It is envisaged that the site will provide a home for approximately 280 students and is scheduled to be open in time for the 2017/18 academic year.

AO World (AO.) – AO website revenue for the three months to 31st December 2014 was up 38%, and total revenue (including third party retail and logistics) was up 26%. Outlook for the full year remains in line with expectations.

Taylor Wimpey (TW.) – total home completions increased by 6% to 12,454 in 2014, up from 11,696 in 2013, average selling prices on private completions increased by 11% to £234,000.

Small caps

NetDimensions (NETD) – Sales revenue and invoiced sales for the period are likely to be substantially higher than for the prior year. Company management expect to report full-year 2014 GAAP revenue in excess of $22 million, comfortably ahead of the consensus forecast of $20 million.

GVC Holdings (GVC) – 2014 ended strongly with Net Gaming Revenue exceeding €20.3m for the month of December.

Best of the Best (BEST) – Profit before tax increased to £0.36 million from £0.22 million in the six months to October.

Nationwide Accident Repair Services (NARS) – Underlying profit before tax for the year to 31st December 2014 is expected to be ahead of management expectations, with Nationwide’s net cash position significantly ahead of forecasts.