Majestic Wine moved up 6 per cent to 241½p amid talk that next week's half- year figures could impress.

Altium Securities said it would not be surprised if the wine retailer's pre-tax profit forecast of £5.6m was beaten when it reports next Monday. "Although we expect the French operation to have retreated further towards break even, we expect this effect to be at least offset by a maiden contribution from Lay & Wheeler [bought in March this year]," said analyst Nick Spoliar.