FTSE 100 movers: Diageo, BAT on the rise

(Sharecast News) - London's FTSE 100 was flat at 7,623.47 in afternoon trade on Friday. Drinks giant Diageo gained following a report it has kicked off the search for a new chairman as it grapples with a sharp slowdown in sales in key growth markets.

According to Sky News, Diageo is working with Russell Reynolds Associates, the search firm, to identify a successor to Javier Ferran. Ferran, who also chairs BA and Iberia owner IAG, has chaired the Guinness-to-Johnnie Walker maker since 2017.

BT Group was also in the black as Citi reiterated its 'buy' rating on the shares.

British American Tobacco rose as it said it has reached a global settlement with Philip Morris International to resolve all ongoing patent infringement litigations between the two related to its heated tobacco and vapour products.

The settlement includes non-monetary provisions between BAT and PMI and prevents future claims against current heated tobacco and vapour products.

BAT said the settlement also allows each party "to innovate and introduce product iterations".

FTSE 100 - Risers

Barclays (BARC) 151.34p 3.63% Diageo (DGE) 2,992.50p 3.01% Tesco (TSCO) 291.40p 3.00% Sainsbury (J) (SBRY) 275.20p 2.99% BT Group (BT.A) 111.85p 2.61% Vodafone Group (VOD) 68.73p 2.17% WPP (WPP) 784.40p 2.00% Prudential (PRU) 820.20p 1.74% British American Tobacco (BATS) 2,379.50p 1.71% Pershing Square Holdings Ltd NPV (PSH) 3,832.00p 1.59%

FTSE 100 - Fallers

Endeavour Mining (EDV) 1,373.00p -2.97% Mondi (MNDI) 1,367.50p -2.39% Croda International (CRDA) 4,873.00p -1.89% Anglo American (AAL) 1,844.40p -1.82% Fresnillo (FRES) 513.00p -1.72% Glencore (GLEN) 419.40p -1.57% Centrica (CNA) 134.85p -1.43% Intermediate Capital Group (ICP) 1,764.00p -1.29% Rightmove (RMV) 560.80p -1.27% BP (BP.) 459.90p -1.23%