Additional European Equity News

AstraZeneca (AZN LN) - Tagrisso approve in EU based on Laura trial; approval based on Laura Phase III trial phase. (Newswires) 

Aviva (AV/ LN) - Co. and Direct Line (DLG LN) agree terms of acquisition, with Aviva to purchase Direct Line for a deal valued at around GBP 3.7bln. Direct Line shareholders to receive 0.2876 Aviva shares, 129.9p in cash. Aviva says expected EPS accretion of approx. 10% once GBP 125mln cost synergies are realised. (Newswires) 

Boohoo (BOO LN) - Dan Finley formally appointed a director of Co. and member of board. (Newswires) 

Evolution (EVO SS) - Informed by UK gambling commission that it has commenced a review of Evolution Malta operating license. (Newswires) 

Grifols (GRF SM) - Informs on closing of a private issuance of secured bond and extension of its revolving credit facility. (Newswires) 

Hargreaves Lansdown (HL/ LN) - Harp Bidco to acquire Hargreaves Lansdown in cash deal. (Newswires)

Frasers (FRAS LN)  - Takes note of Boohoo's invitation to board; will put forward a highly qualified candidate in due course. (Newswires)  

Nvidia (NVDA) - Nvidia has resolved production issues with its Blackwell chip, with shipments set to begin in Q4 2024, and a full ramp-up expected in 2025, positioning the company for AI dominance, DigiTimes reports. Separately, the chipmaker will unveil its next-gen GB300 AI server platform at GTC 2025 (to be held March 17-20th, 2025), alongside a number of chip-related upgrades, according to Money UDN.

Universal Music Group (UMGNF), Amazon (AMZN) - Universal Music Group and Amazon Music have expanded their partnership to focus on UMG’s "Streaming 2.0" strategy, Variety reports. The deal will include exclusive content, enhanced artist support, and fraud protection, as well as collaboration on audiobooks, livestreamed content, and combating unlawful AI-generated material.

Vinci (DG FP) - Awarded a construction contract worth USD 385mln (Newswires)

Snam (SRG IM)/Edison (EDNR IM) - Italy Competition Authority has commenced an investigation into the Cos gas storage deal, citing competition concerns. (Newswires)

23 Dec 2024 - 07:05- EquitiesResearch Sheet- Source: Newsquawk