UK equities edged higher early Wednesday, with the FTSE 100 posting modest gains and the pound advancing against the U.S. dollar, even as broader European markets slipped into negative territory.
By 08:30 GMT, the FTSE 100 was up 0.2%, while sterling gained 0.2% versus the dollar, moving above the 1.33 mark. In contrast, Germany’s DAX declined 0.1%, and France’s CAC 40 dipped 0.2%.
UK corporate roundup
Cohort (LSE:CHRT) reported a 9% rise in first-half revenue to £128.8 million. Adjusted operating profit eased to £9.7 million, reflecting weaker margins in the Sensors and Effectors division. The company pointed to a less favourable mix on its Italian sonar programme and continued low-margin work at SEA as the main pressures on profitability. Chess, however, returned to profit after posting a loss last year.
Berkeley Group Holdings (LSE:BKG) posted interim results slightly ahead of analyst expectations, despite slower sales in the run-up to last month’s UK budget amid heightened market speculation. The developer delivered £254 million in adjusted pre-tax profit for the first half of FY26—2% above consensus forecasts—though this figure was 8% lower year-on-year.
Elsewhere, Volution Group plc (LSE:FAN) announced a deal to purchase AC Industries in Australia for £75 million upfront, with up to £14.5 million in potential additional payments. AC Industries, founded in 1991 and rebranded in 2013, produces specialist ventilation ducting for the Australian underground mining sector, supplying 120 mines—representing 79% of revenue—and expanding internationally across EMEA and APAC.
Optima Health PLC (LSE:OPT) reported a 17% increase in half-year revenue to £59.5 million, in line with expectations. Adjusted EBITDA slipped 5% to £8.3 million, with the company citing higher national insurance costs and expenses associated with being publicly listed.
Meanwhile, Redcentric (LSE:RCN) said it has agreed to sell its data centre division for up to £127 million in cash to Stellanor Datacenters Group Limited. The deal, announced on October 23, is expected to close by March 2026, pending regulatory clearance and customary conditions. The divestment will allow Redcentric to sharpen its focus on core managed services operations.
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