One of the most volatile weeks in the London market’s recent history ended today with the FTSE 100 Index barely changed on its starting point.

Imperial Tobacco, the maker of Davidoff cigarettes, secured a major new market today after winning approval to introduce its European brands to the United States.

UK blue chips suffered losses on the London market today as investors rushed to bank profits made yesterday in the mining sector.

Embassy maker Imperial Tobacco today said cigarette sales had slipped as smokers curbed their habit following the UK-wide smoking ban.

Blue chips were back on a tentative road to recovery today as the London market enjoyed its second day of gains, buoyed by hopes of a US interest rate cut.

London’s blue chips were on the front foot today after a rally in US markets lifted investor sentiment on this side of the Atlantic.

UK Embassy cigarette firm Imperial Tobacco today won the backing of its shareholders for a £11bn (€16bn) takeover of Gauloises firm Altadis.

The London market surged higher today as investors returned to the fray following Friday’s dramatic plunge into the red.

Growing concerns over the US economy sent UK blue chips plunging into negative territory today, with news of a raft of high profile potential takeovers unable to stem the losses.

Merger and acquisition activity failed to support the London market today as US sub-prime mortgage concerns again hit global markets.

Embassy cigarette maker Imperial Tobacco said today it had agreed an £11bn (€16.34bn) takeover offer for Spanish rival Altadis.

Investors rallied on the London market today, recouping some of the losses seen yesterday after the China-led sell-off.

Two private equity firms today entered the battle for Spanish cigarette maker Altadis after unveiling a potential €12.8bn offer.

The London market soared past the 6500 level today, maintaining its six-and-a-half-year high amid further merger and acquisition activity.

Royal Bank of Scotland today led an advance for the London market, as investors cheered news that it was working on a bid for Dutch bank ABN Amro.

Imperial Tobacco could be poised to make a third takeover approach to Gauloises cigarette maker Altadis, it was reported today.

Oil giants BP and Royal Dutch Shell were on the front foot today after a rise in the price of crude oil, helping buoy London’s blue-chip share index.

Imperial Tobacco’s hopes of landing rival Altadis were today under further pressure after it was reported private equity firm CVC planned to bid.

Sainsbury's shares fell 3% today as confidence in the private equity consortium's £10bn (€14.67bn) takeover push faded among investors.

Brewer Scottish & Newcastle saw its shares enjoy a late surge today on rumours of possible bid interest from Heineken or Carlsberg.

Upbeat trading news from blue-chip companies helped drive the London market into positive territory today.

The prospect of consolidation in the banking sector and good news from fashion retailer Next helped the London market close up a comfortable 61.2 points today.

The London market began the week on the front foot today driven on by deals and takeover speculation.

UK plumbing and heating supplier Wolseley set the pace among blue-chip FTSE firms after its interim results came in above analysts’ expectations.

Investors were eager to pick up shares in consumer products group Unilever today amid a raft of takeover speculation surrounding the group.

The London market recovered a large chunk of last night’s losses after a strong session in Asia and a further dose of takeover activity today.

The London market ended Monday comfortably above the 4700 level after a strong session for tobacco stocks.

The takeover spotlight fell on the lower tiers of the London market today as expectations of a slow week for corporate news were quickly eradicated.