The FTSE small cap index and junior-listed AIM shares finishflat, broadly in-line with the mid-caps and the blue chips.
Shares in Escher Group Holdings rise 6 percent to 260 pence as theprovider of postal software says it expects its 2013 revenue to have increased 8percent and says it has a "good pipeline of tenders".
"Escher is a shade ahead of our expectations," Panmure Gordon's analysts sayin a note, raising their target on the stock to 497 pence from 495 pence andconfirming their "buy" recommendation.
AIM-listed Nakama Group rises 47 percent as the recruitmentconsultancy says it is in preliminary discussions with Talent InternationalHoldings and The Rethink Group over a possible offer for Nakama.
The suitors have until Feb. 19 to announce a firm intention to make an offeror walk away.
Reuters messaging rm://francesco.canepa.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net