Market report: Buyout talk drives FirstGroup higher

Shares in transport operator FirstGroup jumped on Monday after The Sunday Telegraph revealed buyout funds were circling parts of its US operations. The group climbed 10.7p to 50.5p, leading risers on the FTSE 250. Sources said Canary Wharf owner Brookfield, Apollo Global Management and KKR were all among the potential buyers for FirstStudent and FirstTransit – the mid-cap’s most profitable divisions. Analysts estimate the two divisions could fetch around $4bn (£3bn) if sold. Fi