FTSE 250 movers: John Laing rallies on takeover talks; Trainline slumps

London’s FTSE 250 was up 0.3% at 22,454.26 in afternoon trade on Thursday.

Morgan Advanced Materials rose after it lifted its guidance for full-year organic constant currency sales growth.

John Laing was also a high riser after the infrastructure investor confirmed it is in talks with private equity firm with KKR about a possible offer. "There can be no certainty that any firm offer for the company will be made nor as to the terms on which any firm offer might be made," it said.

Rathbone Brothers gained as the wealth manager posted a rise in first-quarter funds under management and income, hailing a strong performance from its funds business.

Workspace was trading up as it said demand for its shared offices rose strongly and rent collection was solid as the economy started to reopen from the Covid-19 lockdown.

Trainline slumped as the online ticket platform said annual losses had widened as passenger demand plunged during the Covid-19 pandemic.

FTSE 250 - Risers

Morgan Advanced Materials (MGAM) 343.50p 13.37%
John Laing Group (JLG) 351.00p 10.96%
Vesuvius (VSVS) 576.50p 4.82%
Rathbone Brothers (RAT) 1,772.00p 4.12%
Wickes Group (WIX) 246.50p 3.79%
Centamin (DI) (CEY) 114.75p 3.68%
Watches of Switzerland Group (WOSG) 723.00p 3.58%
Domino's Pizza Group (DOM) 391.00p 3.00%
Workspace Group (WKP) 865.00p 2.98%
Ferrexpo (FXPO) 466.40p 2.79%

FTSE 250 - Fallers

Trainline (TRN) 423.60p -5.81%
AO World (AO.) 240.00p -4.75%
WH Smith (SMWH) 1,822.50p -2.60%
Shaftesbury (SHB) 623.00p -2.58%
Baillie Gifford US Growth Trust (USA) 305.00p -2.56%
Greggs (GRG) 2,320.00p -2.23%
Allianz Technology Trust (ATT) 278.10p -2.22%
Mitie Group (MTO) 59.10p -2.15%
Carnival (CCL) 1,591.80p -2.06%
Pets at Home Group (PETS) 437.40p -1.97%