Dulux paint maker ICI is expected to confirm an £8.1bn (€12bn) takeover deal today, which could see one of the oldest names in British industry pass into foreign hands.

The London market closed deep in the red again today as poor payroll figures in the US knocked already fragile investor confidence.

The London market continued its rollercoaster ride today, closing deep in the red as hopes of a prolonged revival began to fade.

Better-than-expected results from HSBC and Pearson failed to lift confidence on the London market today following last week’s turmoil.