UK Stocks-Factors to watch on October 22 (updated)
UPDATE 1-UK Stocks-Factors to watch on October 22 Adds new items, updates futures
Oct 22 (Reuters) - Britain's FTSE 100 .FTSE index is seen opening lower on Thursday, with futures FFIc1 down 0.5%.
* LSEG: The London Stock Exchange Group LSEG.L said it will acquire Octus for about $3.54 billion to strengthen its data analytics capabilities, alongside third-quarter results.
* INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS: InterContinental Hotels Group IHG.L reported a 5.3% growth in third-quarter revenue per available room, as steady growth in the US outweighed softness in China.
* SAINSBURY'S: Sainsbury's SBRY.L, followed industry leader Tesco TSCO.L, in upgrading the lower end of its full-year profit outlook after posting a 3.6% rise for its first half.
* BARCLAYS: Barclays BARC.L said its third-quarter profit rose 12%, as it reported steady investment banking income and stable costs that allowed the bank to announce a new share buyback worth £500 million.
* PEARSON: Pearson PSON.L reported stronger growth in the third quarter, driven by a step-up in revenue in its Assessment & Qualifications unit, putting it on track to meet its full-year guidance.
* ASTRAZENECA: AstraZeneca AZN.L said the US Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval for its treatment for adults with immunoglobulin A nephropathy, a rare kidney disease that can lead to renal failure.
* HOME REIT: Britain's financial regulator has closed its two-year investigation into Home REIT HOMEH.L, although the watchdog said that it supported an ongoing criminal investigation.
* STHREE: British recruiter SThree STEMS.L said that the UK takeover panel has granted US-based staffing firm Circle8 CIRC.O an extra 28 days, until November 18, to decide whether to make an offer for the company.
COMMODITIES: Oil prices rallied, gold and copper prices fell.
* EX-DIVS: Games Workshop GAW.L and BAE Systems BAES.L will trade without entitlement to its latest dividend pay-out on Thursday
* For more on the factors affecting European stocks, please click on: LIVE/
TODAY'S UK PAPERS
> Financial Times PRESS/FT
> Other business headlines PRESS/GB
(Compiled by Tuhina and Neeshita Beura in Bengaluru)
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