(Corrects paragraph 1 to say Avast is a cybersecurity firm, not a motor insurer)
(Reuters) – London’s FTSE 100 rose on Wednesday, and the domestically focussed mid-cap index hit a record high, lifted by non-life insurers and an $8.6 billion buyout deal for security software firm Avast.
The blue-chip FTSE 100 rose 0.4%, with non-life insurers and oil stocks leading gains.
Avast was the top percentage gainer, up 3.6%, after U.S. based NortonLifeLock Inc said it has agreed to buy the firm for $8.6 billion in cash and shares to create a leader in consumer security software.
The domestically focussed mid-cap index inched 0.2% higher to an all-time high of 23,650.90.
In earnings, British motor insurer Admiral jumped 1.7% after it reported a 76% surge in first-half earnings and announced a 27.1 pence special dividend.
(This story was corrected in paragraph 1 to say Avast is a cybersecurity firm, not a motor insurer.)
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