French Connection shares soar on bid interest while losses narrow

French Connection has reported its sixth consecutive year of annual losses but shares soared after it revealed takeover interest.The company's chairman and chief executive, Stephen Marks, said the 12 months to 31 January had allowed him to enter the current year with "renewed confidence" despite the crisis gripping much of the high street.French Connection reported an underlying operating loss of £0.6m in its last financial year - an improvement on the £3.1m figure in 2016.