Corporate activity and a wave of first-half updates dominate this morning's briefing. Frasers Group has extended the deadline on its Accent Group takeover bid, Anglo American pressed on with disposals ahead of its Teck merger, and a clutch of UK-listed names, Mitchells & Butlers, BT, easyJet, Centrica and AJ Bell, updated the market on trading through the first half of the year.
Frasers pushes Accent Group offer deadline to September
Frasers Group (FRAS) has extended the closing date of its cash offer for Accent Group to 30 September, giving shareholders in the Australian retailer more time to consider the A$0.65-a-share proposal. The terms of the offer remain unchanged.
Mitchells & Butlers sticks with guidance despite stormy Q3
Mitchells Butlers (MAB) confirmed it remains on track to meet full-year consensus expectations, even after poor weather disrupted trading across its pub and restaurant estate in the third quarter. Management gave no indication that the weather disruption would derail the group's broader financial targets for the year.
Anglo American trims cost guidance as disposals continue
Anglo American (AAL) reported flat second-quarter copper production and lowered its 2026 unit cost guidance for the division, even as it continues to work through disposals of its coal, diamond and nickel businesses. The moves come as the miner presses ahead with its pending merger with Teck.
BT reaffirms targets after steady first-quarter trading
BT Group said it remains on track to deliver its full-year targets following a solid first quarter. Chief executive Allison Kirkby said the group continues to work "to create a better BT, for all of us," pointing to steady progress against its strategic goals.
EasyJet profit hit by Middle East fuel costs
easyJet (EZJ) reported a slump in third-quarter profit after a Middle East-driven fuel shock weighed on the airline's cost base. Chief executive Kenton Jarvis said pricing has nonetheless been attractive, driving strong late-booking demand across both flights and holidays.
Centrica raises dividend despite earnings decline
CENTRICA (CNA), owner of British Gas, reported an 18% drop in first-half adjusted EBITDA to £737m, but lifted its interim dividend by 9% and reiterated its long-term earnings targets, signalling confidence in the business despite the weaker first-half performance.
AstraZeneca secures EU nod for breast cancer combination therapy
AstraZeneca (AZN) won European Union approval for camizestrant, branded Etcamah, in combination with a CDK4/6 inhibitor. The combination becomes the first EU-approved first-line treatment specifically targeting emerging drug resistance in advanced ER-positive breast cancer, expanding the company's oncology portfolio in a major indication.
AJ Bell reports record client inflows in third quarter
AJ Bell (AJB) posted record inflows for its third quarter. Chief executive Michael Summersgill attributed the performance to "the attractiveness of our low-cost, easy-to-use propositions and the excellent returns we are delivering on our continued brand and marketing investment."
