London pre-open: Higher start for FTSE 100

21st Dec 2009 07:32

Footsie is expected to move higher following a positive finish for US shares Friday.London Stock Exchange (LSE) is to acquire Turquoise, the trading platform that was set up by banks in 2008 to challenge LSE's dominance. LSE said it will merge Turquoise with its trading facility Baikal Global to create a pan-European trading venture.Embattled bus and train group National Express said full year profits are likely to be in line with previously indicated levels. The group's underlying revenue trends have stabilised in the fourth quarter.Satellite operator Avanti Communications is to raise £86m in new equity and has agreed £194m of new borrowings to fund the launch of its second wireless broadband satellite, HYLAS 2.Oil services specialist Hunting results this yearvwill be 'towards the high end of market expectations' after good results from aviation offset weak exploration and shipping activity.