Drinks group Merrydown today gave its blessing to a £36.7m (€53.3m) takeover by the owner of the WKD spirits brand.

Increased confidence in the London market pushed the FTSE 100 Index closer towards the key 4500 barrier today.

Drinks maker Merrydown today said a strong summertime performance from its non-alcoholic soft fruit brand Schloer had boosted half-year turnover 17% to £9.7 million.