FTSE 100 Rises on easyJet and Vodafone Deals

The FTSE 100 closed slightly higher on July 10, 2026, driven by significant corporate activity involving airlines and telecommunications. easyJet shares surged 14% after the company agreed in principle to a £5.7 billion takeover bid from Apollo Global Management, which outperformed a competing offer from Castlelake LP.

Vodafone shares rose approximately 13% following an agreement for Vega, an investment vehicle owned by the Xavier Niel family, to acquire a 16.2% stake in the company for £4.4 billion. The stake was sold by Emirates Telecommunications, also known as e&.

Other market movements included a 20% increase for recruiter Hays due to positive profit forecasts and an 8.6% decline for St James's Place after Sovereign Wealth decided to exit the group.