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Avon Technologies on track to meet or exceed FY targets, Pinewood Technologies confirms takeover talks
By Iain Gilbert
Date: Friday 30 Jan 2026
(Sharecast News) - LONDON PRE-OPEN
The FTSE 100 was expected to open 3.6 points higher ahead of the bell on Friday, after wrapping up the previous session 0.17% firmer at 10,171.76.
STOCKS TO WATCH
Avon Technologies said it was on track to meet or exceed its 2026 financial targets, led by a record start to the year at its protection unit driven by sustained demand for its chemical, biological and nuclear products and sales pipeline. Avon's US-based Team Wendy protective helmet unit maintained a strong order book but saw a slower first quarter as the government shutdown delayed product testing and deliveries, which contributed to lower-than-expected Department of Defence and federal revenue in the period.
Pinewood Technologies confirmed it was in takeover talks with private equity firm Apax Partners about a possible 500p per share cash offer that it would be minded to recommend to shareholders. Responding to press speculation late on Thursday, Pinewood said that as an alternative to receiving cash, the possible offer will include an unlisted partial share alternative.
Drugmaker Astrazeneca said on Friday that it has expanded its weight‑management pipeline after striking a strategic collaboration with CSPC Pharmaceuticals to develop a series of next‑generation obesity and type‑2 diabetes therapies. Under the deal, AstraZeneca will gain exclusive global rights outside China to CSPC's monthly injectable portfolio, including its long‑acting GLP1R/GIPR agonist moving into Phase I SYH2082, alongside three preclinical assets targeting a range of weight‑related conditions.
NEWSPAPER ROUND-UP
Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday laying the groundwork to slap tariffs on goods from countries that provide oil to Cuba, the White House said. The order, which ratchets up Trump's pressure to topple the Communist government, declares a national emergency and establishes a process for the US secretaries of state and commerce to assess tariffs against countries that sell or otherwise provide oil to the island nation. The White House has yet to specify tariff rates for violating its new policy of blocking Cuba from buying oil. - Guardian
Apple released its first quarter earnings on Thursday, exceeding Wall Street's expectations and seeing its revenue skyrocket 16% from the same time last year. "Apple is proud to report a remarkable, record-breaking quarter, with revenue of $143.8bn,""Tim Cook, the company's CEO, said in a statement. "iPhone had its best-ever quarter driven by unprecedented demand, with all-time records across every geographic segment." - Guardian
Asda has admitted that 53,000 staff were underpaid by the supermarket after its payroll systems were damaged by a botched IT upgrade. Allan Leighton, the supermarket's executive chairman, said the company had reviewed its systems and discovered errors in how it calculated workers' holiday and sick pay in the wake of an overhaul dubbed "Project Future IT". - Telegraph
Fast fashion chain Quiz is on the brink of collapse as it struggles under the weight of a barrage of taxes and other costs. The Glasgow-based retailer is understood to have filed a Notice of Intention to appoint administrators, leaving an estimated 1,000 jobs hanging in the balance at its 40 stores. - Telegraph
Amazon is reported to be in talks to invest up to $50bn in the ChatGPT-maker OpenAI in what would be a giant bet on the much sought-after artificial intelligence startup. The discussion is still in the early stages and the final numbers have not been finalised, according to The Wall Street Journal. - The Times
The Bank of England is pursuing the sale of a leafy sports estate in southwest London amid a cost-cutting drive by the central bank. Knight Frank has been appointed to assist on a potential freehold sale of the Roehampton site, which includes grounds leased to the All England Lawn Tennis Club. - The Times
US CLOSE
Major indices delivered a mixed performance on Thursday as traders digested the Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates steady and a number big-name tech earnings.
At the close, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.11% at 49,071.56, while the S&P 500 shed 0.13% at 6,969.01 and the Nasdaq Composite saw out the session 0.72% weaker at 23,685.12.
Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com
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