London open: M&A rumours in focus

London's blue chips have made a good start to the new week, with International Power leading the way on takeover rumours.International Power is up more than 5% after press reports that French power giant GDF Suez has made a takeover approach to the group.Cadbury is also among this morning's risers amid talk that American food giant Kraft is preparing to raise its hostile offer for UK chocolate maker. The new offer is expected to improve Kraft's bid from 771p per share to at least 820p, the Sunday Times writes, though the UK company's shareholders might be tempted to hold out for an even higher price. Kraft has until midnight on Tuesday to change its bid. Housebuilder Taylor Wimpey said market conditions in both the UK and North America during 2009 were better than those experienced during the previous year, although they still remained challenging. ASOS, the online fashion retailer, enjoyed a good Christmas with both sales and margins strong and growth both in the UK and abroad. Sales rose 30% year on year in the 5 weeks to 3 January and were up by 38% for the 42 weeks to 17 January. UK sales rose by 25% and international by 102% over the 42-week period. Gross margin rose by 80 basis points for the 5 weeks to 3 January 2010, while active customers rose by 25% to 1.5m.Tullow Oil has confirmed reports over the weekend that it has exercised its option to acquire partner Heritage Oil's 50% stake in two oil blocks in Uganda, trumping Italian group Eni's attempts to buy the acreage. South West Water owner Pennon has decided not to refer Ofwat's price determination for 2010-2015 to the Competition Commission and also promised real dividend growth over the five year duration of the regime.Redrow announced the appointment of Barbara Richmond as new finance director with immediate effect. Richmond replaces David Arnold who is waving goodbye to the housebuilder after seven years at the company. Distribution and outsourcing firm Bunzl said has acquired Clean Care from a privately owned company which is controlled by Jan Knygle and Ole Bæk. Data management specialist SDL said it expects revenues and profits for the year ended 31 December 2009 to be ahead of analyst expectations. Admiral has signed new reinsurance deal with Munich Re and Hannover Re for its new car insurance operation in the US, Elephant Insurance.Shares in Media Corporation surged 12% after posted a return to profit in the first quarter of 2010 following a ' material shift in the group's fortunes'.Spanish utility Iberdrola has sold its entire 15.7% holding in oil explorer Petroceltic, a move that also ends its option over any drilling success by the Aim-listed firm.FTSE 100 - RisersInternational Power (IPR) 338.40p +5.09%Tullow Oil (TLW) 1,367.00p +2.09%Anglo American (AAL) 2,760.50p +1.40%Cadbury (CBRY) 804.50p +1.39%Kazakhmys (KAZ) 1,429.00p +1.35%Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY) 57.47p +1.22%Scottish & Southern Energy (SSE) 1,183.00p +1.20%FTSE 100 - FallersInmarsat (ISAT) 663.50p -2.71%BAE Systems (BA.) 363.70p -1.17%Cobham (COB) 236.70p -0.96%Cairn Energy (CNE) 355.60p -0.95%British Sky Broadcasting Group (BSY) 569.50p -0.70%HSBC Holdings (HSBA) 698.40p -0.58%Man Group (EMG) 291.40p -0.44%