Banking giant Barclays saw shares surge ahead on better-than-expected annual profits today, but it was a mixed session for the wider market.

India’s Tata Steel won the battle for Corus early today after a dramatic night of bidding sent the Anglo-Dutch firm’s value soaring to £5.75bn (€8.66bn).

The battle for steel group Corus (formerly British Steel) intensified today after Brazilian firm CSN dramatically trumped a takeover offer from Indian rival Tata.

Thousands of UK steel workers were seeking assurances over their jobs tonight after the Corus group agreed to a £4.3bn (€6.42bn) takeover by Indian rival Tata Steel.

British steel maker Corus agreed to a £4.3bn (€6.4) takeover by Indian rival Tata Steel today – ending the UK company’s year-long search for a partner.