Shares in Next (LON:NXT) advanced 4.5 percent to 2,054 pence after the clothing retailer and FTSE 100 constituent reported 2010 profits at the top end of the guidance. Group revenues for the year to January 2011 climbed 1 percent to £3.45 billion, while earnings per share reached a record level at 222 pence. Next upped the total dividend by 18 percent to 78 pence, matching the increase in earnings.
Invensys (LON:ISYS) announced the resignation of chief executive Ulf Henriksson this week. He will be replaced by chief financial officer Wayne Edmunds. David Thomas, who has held senior financial roles within the group since 2002, has been appointed acting CFO and a permanent appointment will be made in due course.
Hammerson (LON:HMSO) has exchanged contracts to acquire a portfolio of six assets from St. Martins Property Investments Limited for £208 million. Hammerson's initial commitment, including transaction costs, is £221 million.
Sainsbury (LON:SBRY) said that total sales in the fourth quarter rose 6.8 percent and like for like sales climbed 4.2 percent. Like for like sales for the full year rose 4.7 percent.
SABMiller (LON:SAB) updated its medium term guidance for its Africa division. Expectations for revenue per hectolitre growth have increased from a range of 1 to 3%, to a range of 3 to 5%, subject to currency fluctuations.
Man Group (LON:EMG) said that has agreed to sell its c.25% interest in BlueCrest to BlueCrest for $633 million. Man's investment in BlueCrest dates from 2003, and will generate a pre-tax profit on disposal of around $250 million.
British Land (LON:BLND) has purchased Mayflower Retail Park on the edge of Basildon town centre in Essex from Scottish Widows Investment Partnership for £51 million.