Robust third quarter updates from the likes of BP and insurance giant Aviva helped drive further gains on London’s blue chip share index today.

Cillit Bang-to-Dettol firm Reckitt Benckiser stuck by growth targets today despite pressure on its Vanish fabric care division in Europe.

Vanish-to-Cillit Bang giant Reckitt Benckiser has agreed a £2.5bn (€3bn) deal to snap up the consumer goods group behind Durex and Scholl footcare, it was announced today.

Jitters over the impact of swine flu and the strength of major banks sent the FTSE 100 Index into the red today.

Banks and housebuilders made gains on the London market today ahead of another expected cut in interest rates and after a surprise lift in house prices.

Consumer goods giant Reckitt Benckiser today reported a 22% hike in second-quarter profits and outlined a raft of household brand product launches.

London’s blue chip shares retreated into the red today as stocks were hit by bad housing market news on both sides of the Atlantic.

Reckitt Benckiser said strong growth from recently-acquired brands Nurofen and Strepsils helped it deliver a 15% rise in full-year profits today.

UK household goods firm Reckitt Benckiser is expanding its healthcare operations in North America after today agreeing a £1.1bn (€1.5bn) takeover of a US cough mixture firm.

UK household cleaning goods company Reckitt Benckiser today said it was on course to hit its targets for 2006 after sales were boosted by products such as Vanish and Cillit Bang.

Household cleaning goods company Reckitt Benckiser forecast another strong year today as it posted record results driven by products such as Cillit Bang and Vanish.