Additional European Equity News - 20th August 2026

Danone (BN FP) - UK CMA has cleared the anticipated acquisition of Huel by Danone. (Gov.uk) Hays (HAS LN) - FY 2026 (GBP): Operating Profit 48.6mln (prev. 45.6mln Y/Y), Net Fees 905.5mln (prev. 972.4mln Y/Y), Pretax Profit 35.1mln (prev. 32.2mln Y/Y). CEO: "We delivered a return to strong year on year profit growth in the second half with full year pre-exceptional operating profit increasing by 3% although reported results were impacted by exceptional costs related to the rapid initial execution of our Momentum strategy.” (Hays) JD Sports Fashion (JD/ LN) - Q2 Trading Statement: Group LFL Sales -3.1%, Organic Sales -1.3%. Cuts its FY27 Pretax Profit between GBP 700-800mln (prev. guided GBP 750-850mln). Sales in North America reflects weaker core consumer sentiment while UK sales improved, driven by apparel and accessories. (JD Sports Fashion) Novonesis (NSISB DC) - Q2 2026 (EUR): Sales 1.12bln (exp. 1.11bln), net income 171.7mln, adj. EBITDA 419.2mln (exp. 414mln). Sees FY 2026 organic growth 7-8% and FY adj. EBITDA margin at the higher end of 37-38%. EUR 1bln share buyback to be initiated during H2 2026. (Novonesis) Standard Life (SDLF LN) - Co. announces a strategic partnership with CVC (CVC NA), Prudential Financial (PRU) and Goldman Sachs (GS) to expand its Pension Risk Transfer business to support schemes across a broader range of sizes. The Partnership will be funded by an initial commitment of up to GBP 2bln. (Standard Life) Swiss Watch Exports, Richemont (CFR SW) - Exports 9.6% (prev. 11.2%).