One story dominated the travel and tourism sector yesterday as London’s equity markets edged ahead.
The FTSE 100 index added just one point to close at 4617.4, while the FTSE 250 gained 20.1 points to end the day at 6264.7.
The biggest mover in the sector was easyJet, which was once again subject to takeover rumours.
But, The Independent reports, the rumours were somewhat different yesterday, with suggestions that long-time rival Ryanair could be considering a bid. EasyJet’s shares rose 5.5p to 131.75p – they had, at one point, risen to 137p – with 28 million shares, around four times the normal daily volume, changing hands.
The Independent suggests that Ryanair could be hoping to raise capital via a placing of new shares with investors: “Such a move would certainly indicate that the group is on the acquisition trail.”
Ryanair’s shares rose 3.28p to close at 257p.
Alpha Airports 87p NO CHANGE
BAA 565.5p NO CHANGE
British Airways 208.5p UP 4p
Carnival 2855p UP 27p
De Vere 425.5p UP 0.5p
EasyJet 131.75p UP 5.5p
ebookers 197.5p UP 5.5p
EuroDisney 18p NO CHANGE
Eurotunnel 20.25p NO CHANGE
First Choice 134.75p UP 1p
Hilton Group 262.5p NO CHANGE
Holidaybreak 542p UP 7p
Intercontinental 664p UP 6.5p
Lastminute.com 108p UP 4.5p
MyTravel 4p NO CHANGE
P&O 268.75p UP 2.75p
Rank Group 289.5p DOWN 1.5p
Ryanair 257p UP 3.28p
Stagecoach 88p DOWN 1p
TBI 71.5p UP 0.25p
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd
