żŰżŰ´«Ă˝

Mondi (MNDI) shares fell by 8 per cent after the packaging group said higher input costs related to the Middle East conflict and lower selling prices had weighed on first-quarter underlying earnings, despite an uptick in volumes.

Underlying Ebitda fell by 1 per cent to €212mn (£184mn) during the first quarter, including an €8mn forestry fair value gain. Sales volumes were supported by capacity extensions and the lack of maintenance shutdowns during the period.

The FTSE 100 group has implemented price increases across its product lines to offset higher energy, raw material and logistics costs, but management only expects these to take full effect in the third quarter.

Following a recent reduction in wood prices in South Africa, the full-year forestry fair value gain is expected to be zero. Mondi also announced the closure of three more converting plants in April, bringing the total recent shutdowns to six, which will reduce its headcount by around 450 people this year.

Private equity firm Atlas Holdings has abandoned its bid for Brickability (BRCK) after the board unanimously rejected its 65p-a-share offer submitted last month.

Thursday’s news was followed by a full-year trading update this morning, in which the building materials distributor guided for revenue and Ebitda growth of 1 per cent and 4 per cent, respectively, to £654mn and £52mn. Both were in line with market expectations.

The company said that a sluggish housing market, wet weather and delays in regulatory approvals had all negatively impacted the business during the second half. It also noted recent debt refinancings had boosted confidence in pursuing deals where appropriate.

The shares rose 4 per cent in early trading, having fallen as much as 8 per cent on Thursday on news of Atlas ending its interest.