FTSE 250 movers: Merlin Entertainments, Serco, Vedanta

23rd Dec 2013 13:57

Merlin Entertainments was pushed lower by news that a blaze which broke out at the Chessington World of Adventures Resort, southwest of London, forced the outfit to close the theme park.Serco has made positive steps to rebuilding its reputation with the UK government after winning a contract extension with the Minister of Justice (MoJ), according to Panmure Gordon. The broker placed a 'buy' recommendation on the shares and raised its target price to 550p following the news.Vedanta Resources was to be found towards the bottom rungs of the FTSE 250 after its demotion from the top flight index, having been replaced by Royal Mail Group. Precious metals miners found a bid again on Monday, possibly as a result of heightened political tensions in South Sudan, which is also one of Africa´s major oil producing regions. FTSE 250 - RisersAfrican Barrick Gold (ABG) 170.50p +5.12%Centamin (DI) (CEY) 42.00p +4.63%Polymetal International (POLY) 514.00p +4.24%Halfords Group (HFD) 453.20p +4.02%Ultra Electronics Holdings (ULE) 1,899.00p +2.70%Hansteen Holdings (HSTN) 108.30p +2.65%Essar Energy (ESSR) 69.90p +2.57%Partnership Assurance Group (PA.) 292.00p +2.38%Serco Group (SRP) 483.00p +2.33%Kazakhmys (KAZ) 198.20p +2.32%FTSE 250 - FallersJD Sports Fashion (JD.) 1,359.00p -9.04%Carphone Warehouse Group (CPW) 267.50p -3.78%Synthomer (SYNT) 247.20p -1.98%Senior (SNR) 302.30p -1.95%Rank Group (RNK) 128.00p -1.92%Brown (N.) Group (BWNG) 519.00p -1.70%Merlin Entertainments (MERL) 360.00p -1.64%Carillion (CLLN) 316.90p -1.61%Kenmare Resources (KMR) 19.20p -1.54%Tullett Prebon (TLPR) 358.10p -1.49%AB