FTSE in positive territory

The latest flurry of deal-making in the energy sector added impetus to the London market today and put it within striking distance of the 5900 barrier.

Utilities were camped high on the risers board as investors speculated that the wave of consolidation among European rivals – led by today’s £47m (€69m) arranged marriage of French energy firms Suez and Gaz de France – would wash over to the UK.