LONDON BRIEFING: Currys earnings rise; Genel agrees to buy Capricorn

London Briefing highlights multiple corporate and market developments ahead of the London open on Thursday. The FTSE 100 was called down 0.3% at 10,449.54 GBP, with the dollar at USD1.3296. In broker notes, JPMorgan reinitiated JD Sports Fashion with a “neutral” rating and a 90 pence target, while Canaccord raised Clarkson to “buy” with a 4,650 pence target. On the deals front, Halma agreed to acquire itemedical for EUR23 million and Naslund Medical for USD45 million, both on cash and debt-free terms, to strengthen its healthcare portfolio. British Land also confirmed Joanne McNamara as incoming CEO, starting September 14, after Simon Carter’s departure at the end of August. In the FTSE 250, Currys reported higher full-year earnings and doubled its total dividend, with pretax profit up 23% to GBP153 million and revenue rising to GBP9.25 billion. It proposed a final dividend of 2.25 pence and announced a buyback program up to GBP50 million beginning Thursday and ending at the start of May 2027.