Britain's FTSE 100 index is seen opening up 7 points, or 0.1 percent higher on Thursday, according to financial bookmakers. For more on the factors affecting European stocks, please click on * On Wednesday, the UK blue chip index ended 0.5 percent, or 34.68 points, lower at 6,838.87, pressured by stocks trading without entitlement to their latest dividend payout and a sharp decline in Rolls-Royce following the cancellation of a major plane order.* IMPERIAL TOBACCO - The British tobacco firm is evaluating a deal for assets likely to be divested from Reynolds American Inc and Lorillard Inc if the two U.S. tobacco companies proceed with a proposed combination, according to people familiar with the matter.
Lorillard, Inc. (Lorillard) is the manufacturer of cigarettes in the United States. Shares of LO fell by 1.0% or $-0.61/share to $60.38. In the past year, the shares have traded as low as $41.56 and as high as $63.56. On average, 3015660 shares of LO exchange hands on a given day and today's volume is recorded at 1643232.
Reynolds American Inc. (RAI) is a holding company. Shares of RAI traded higher by 0.59% or $0.35/share to $59.61. In the past year, the shares have traded as low as $46.05 and as high as $60.42. On average, 2450660 shares of RAI exchange hands on a given day and today's volume is recorded at 2905775.
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