C&C, ECO Animal Health and Hydrodec

“The FTSE100 was up in early trading with Royal Dutch Shell and BP both prominent following a sharp rise in price of oil,” says AJ Bell Investment Director Russ Mould.

“Drinks giant AB InBev and cider group C&C have expanded their partnership with new agreements which leverage the manufacturing, distribution and portfolio strengths of the two businesses in their core markets in the UK and Ireland. Under a new distribution agreement AB InBev will be responsible for the sale and trade marketing of C&C’s cider portfolio, including Magners, Chaplin & Corks and Blackthorn, in England, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man while C&C will continue to sell and distribute AB InBev's beer portfolio, including Becks, Stella Artois, Budweiser and Corona, in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

“ECO Animal Health had a strong first half with pre-tax profits up 97% and increased its interim dividend by 32%. The group has made a strong start to the second half with strong order books and continues to invest successfully in its research and product development programme to obtain further marketing authorisations.

“Oil re-refining group Hydrodec’s shares were up by 5% in early trading following a bullish trading update, despite the general market environment remaining challenging. The group has continued to make strong progress towards positive earnings in the second half and achieved record sales from the rebuilt Canton plant in October.”

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