UK equities closed the session in negative territory, mirroring losses across major European markets. Investor sentiment remained cautious despite relative stability in sterling.
The FTSE 100 slipped 0.09% by the close. The pound rose 0.02% against the US dollar but continued to trade just under the $1.34 level.
Across Europe, Germany’s DAX fell 0.3%, while France’s CAC 40 declined 0.7%, adding pressure to regional markets.
FTSE 100 movers and corporate updates
Shares of Auction Technology Group jumped more than 12% after private equity firm FitzWalter Capital raised its potential cash offer for the company. The revised bid values the online auction marketplace at £491 million, or 400 pence per share.
The offer represents a 48% premium to ATG’s undisturbed share price of 270 pence on January 2. FitzWalter has urged shareholders to push the board toward discussions. Under UK takeover rules, the firm has until February 2 to either submit a formal offer or withdraw.
Housebuilder M J Gleeson reported solid momentum. The company sold 848 homes in the first half of fiscal 2026, up 6% from the same period last year. Management said full-year results remain in line with market expectations.
Net reservation rates at its Gleeson Homes unit improved to 0.75 per site per week, compared with 0.55 a year earlier. Excluding bulk deals, the rate stood at 0.44.
Character Group flagged weaker festive trading. Sales in the 4 months leading up to Christmas 2025 fell around 11% year on year. Despite softer first-half expectations, the company expects stronger performance in the second half.
The toy and giftware firm now forecasts flat revenue for fiscal 2026 compared to 2025. However, profits before tax are expected to more than double, driven by better product mix and portfolio changes.
Earnings strength and asset growth in focus
Genus delivered a strong first half. The animal genetics company said adjusted profit before tax for the first half of fiscal 2026 is expected to be around £50 million, excluding a milestone payment. Including it, profits rise to about £55.6 million.
Following the update, Genus now expects full-year 2026 profit to come in above the top end of market forecasts, currently between £82.7 million and £85.0 million.
Ninety One reported rising assets under management. AUM stood at £159.8 billion as of December 31, 2025, up from £152.1 billion at the end of September and £130.2 billion a year earlier. The company plans to release its Q4 AUM update on April 16, 2026.
BBC and YouTube deal signals media shift
In media developments, the BBC is close to signing a major content partnership with YouTube, according to reports. The deal would see the broadcaster produce shows specifically for YouTube audiences, while also hosting them on its own digital platforms.
The agreement could be announced as early as next week. Until now, the BBC has mainly used YouTube for promotional clips and trailers.
UK markets ended the week cautiously, balancing firm currency levels against mixed corporate signals and broader European weakness.