Hilton joins FT30

The Hilton Group has entered the FT30 index following the removal from the listing of Allied Domecq after its takeover by French-owned Pernod Ricard.

Hilton is the first leisure and hotel company to be listed on the index, which was set up in 1935 to list 30 of Britain's top companies share prices.

A Hilton spokesman said: "We are delighted that we have been given this slot in what is an influential group of companies. The nature of the index is as a barometer for measuring how different sectors in the economy are behaving. For us to represent the important and growing leisure sector is an honour and a fair reflection of our track record in the industry over a number of years."

Director of investment bankers Otus, Paul Slattery said the move showed the continuing economic shift in Britain from industrial to service sector companies.

"The positive of this is in investment terms for professional investors. It's only really important for city professionals," he said.

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