Additional European Equity News

Abivax (ABVX FP) - Eli Lilly (LLY) is reportedly still in the running to purchase the Co., for as much as EUR 15bln. Eli Lilly is awaiting insight into whether any bid would be subject to antitrust/competition procedures. (La Lettre)

BE Semiconductor Industries (BESI NA) – Q4 Trading Order (EUR): 250mln +105% Y/Y and 43% Q/Q. Order strength in Q4 against Q3 was primarily due to a broad-based increase in bookings by Asian subcontractors for 2.5D data centre applications and renewed capacity purchases by leading photonics customers. (BE Semiconductor Industries)

British Land (BLND LN) - Simon Carter to step down as CEO. The Board of British Land will run a full process to appoint a successor, at which point a further announcement will be made. (British Land)

Defence Names - EU Defence Commissioner says the loans-for-arms scheme is on track to begin the first payout in March, enabling members to use allocated funding for weapon purchases. (FT)

Greggs (GRG LN) - Greggs Plc is showing strain from expansion as slower sales growth and higher prices hit consumer demand, prompting investors to increase short positions. The baker’s shares fell 40% in 2025, its worst performance, leaving it the most-shorted UK stock as customers cut back on frequent purchases.  (Bloomberg) 

Heineken (HEIA NA) - CEO Dolf Van Den Brink is to step down from their role on May 31; Co. to begin the search process for a successor. (Heineken)

Intrum (INTRUM SS) - Co. announces sale of portfolios for EUR 215mln, above book value. (Intrum) 

JD Sports (JD/ LN) - Co. is to sell products directly to customers via AI platforms. (Echo)

Mercedes-Benz (MBG GY) – Co. is relocating production of the A-Class from Germany to Hungary. Hungarian Trade Minister Szijjarto confirms this move is to happen. (Automobilwoche/Budapester)

Nestle (NESN SW) - Cautious mention in Bloomberg, suggesting that the recent baby formula contamination could potentially hit sales and pose a challenge to the CEO's revamp plans (Bloomberg) 

Pirelli (PIRC IM) - Shareholder pact between Camfin and Sinochem is set to be dissolved soon. (Il Messaggero)

Plus 500 (PLUS LN) - FY25 (USD): EBITDA 348mln, +8% Y/Y and above market expectations. 2026: "Plus500 remains strategically well-positioned to capitalise on both short-term market trends and longer-term, structural growth drivers in its addressable markets... expects the Group to continue making strong financial and strategic progress alongside delivering further shareholder returns."

Qiagen (QIA GY) - Announced its 2026 priorities across its five growth pillars to support its goal for USD 2bln of combined annual pillar sales in 2028. (Qiagen) 

WH Smith Plc (SMWH LN) – Co. is reportedly looking to replace Annette Court as chairman, according to Sky News. (Sky News) 

Wolters Kluwer (WKL NA) – Co. announced the acquisition of StandardFusion for roughly EUR 32mln. (Wolters Kluwer)

WPP (WPP LN) - WPP's exodus of talent leading major clients to explore marketing deals with rivals (Mail on Sunday) 

Heineken (HEIA NA) downgraded to Neutral from Outperform at BNP

Pandora (PNDORA DC) downgraded to Hold from Buy at Sydbank 

12 Jan 2026 - 07:15- ForexEU Research- Source: Newsquawk