Rumour of the day
Finning, the Canadian Caterpillar equipment dealer, is understood to have put Hewden’s UK tool hire business up for sale. The division is expected to fetch up to £80 million. Two months ago Finning disposed of Hewden’s materials handling operations after coming under pressure to raise margins in the UK. Speedy Hire, off 2p at £10.69, is seen as a likely bidder
Bet of the day
Full-year results from Britvic are expected to show the benefit of the hot summer, even though demand for its carbonated drinks have been shrinking faster than demand for stills has grown. Analysts forecast profits down 4 per cent to £73 million when Britivic reports on Thursday. CMC Markets was offering a rolling bet on the shares at 232½p-233p, against yesterday’s close of 232¼p
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Director deals
Walker Greenback rose 1¼p to 41¾p after Charles Gray, a non-executive director at the upmarket wallpaper maker, bought 50,000 shares at 37.72p. The stock has jumped from 19p this year as profits recovered, partly due to minimalism losing favour