Steinhoff’s improved offer for Poundland Group Plc (LON:PLND) piqued interest as the would-be-buyer aimed to fend off US hedge fund Elliot, an activist shareholder which has just increased its stake.
The South African retailer offered £610mln, up from £597mln, in what it said was its final bid.
Steinhoff - which owns 40 retail brands in 30 countries - has previously failed in attempts to purchase Home Retail and Darty.
Challenger bank Aldermore Group Plc (LON:ALD) was also in the spotlight after seemingly shrugging off Brexit worries as it reported a 50% rise in profits. It comes as the bank loan book grew by 26% to £1.5bn and as net interest margin stayed put at 3.6%.
Travel agent TUI AG (LON:TUI) was another key destination for internet traffic on Thursday as it reported stronger demand for European destinations, Spain and Italy particularly, to offset impacts of holiday maker’s security concerns over Turkey, Egypt and other areas of North Africa.
The tour operator stuck to its existing forecasts for full year profits, albeit the sales outlook was still downgraded.
Southern Rail and its union dispute remains a closely followed topic, with some train services coming back online as parties agreed to resume talks.