The FTSE 100 index rose 0.08% to 10,480.31 points on Friday, driven by gains in Vodafone and easyJet shares following positive developments in their respective merger negotiations.
The modest advance came as investors sought refuge in corporate-specific catalysts amid a backdrop of persistent geopolitical uncertainty.
Vodafone and easyJet led the index higher, with both stocks benefiting from renewed optimism surrounding their ongoing deal processes.
The telecom giant and the budget carrier provided crucial support to the blue-chip index, offsetting weakness in other sectors.
This corporate-driven lift helped stabilize the market despite broader caution among traders.
Middle East tensions continued to weigh on sentiment, with investors wary of potential escalation risks that could disrupt energy supplies and global trade routes.