The FTSE has recovered from its morning losses which followed the shooting dead of a man on a tube in south London police, sparking fears of another major security scare.
Traders had struggled into work amid continuing disruption to the transportation system following the failed attacks on the capital's underground and bus network yesterday.
The FTSE 100 added
12.70 points at 5234.3 while the mid-cap FTSE 250 traded 21.30 points stronger at 7488.70.
Compass Group gained 5.6 per cent at 254.5p after newspaper reports that Raphoe Management, the investment vehicle of entrepreneur Gerry Robinson, was considering a takeover bid for the contract catering company.
Logistics company Exel moved 1.2 per cent higher at 935.5p after reports linked it with a bid approach from Swiss company Kuehne & Nagel. Previous speculation has also suggested that UPS or Deutsche Post could be interested in mounting a takeover bid.
inancial Times Service