In afternoon trade the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to end the week on a positive note. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up slightly to 6,550.9 points.
Four shares that are climbing more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are charging higher:
Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1)
The Accent share price has climbed 5% to $1.87. This follows the release of a trading update at its annual general meeting. That update revealed that the footwear retailer's sales were well ahead of expectations during the first 20 weeks of FY 2021. Accent revealed that like for like sales are up 15.7% over the period excluding its Auckland and Victorian stores.
Mesoblast limited (ASX: MSB)
The Mesoblast share price has rocketed 14% higher to $3.73 after announcing a major deal with pharma giant Novartis. The biotech company has signed an exclusive worldwide license and collaboration agreement with Novartis for the development, manufacture, and commercialisation of its mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) product remestemcel-L. Novartis will make a US$50 million upfront payment and could then pay over US$1.25 billion in milestones to Mesoblast.
Redbubble Ltd (ASX: RBL)
The Redbubble share price has jumped over 7.5% higher to $4.89 after the ecommerce company named its new CEO. Redbubble has appointed former SEEK Limited (ASX: SEK) executive, Michael Ilczynski, as its new chief executive. Mr Ilczynski, who was formerly the CEO of SEEK Asia Pacific and Americas, will replace interim CEO, Martin Hosking, on 27 January 2021.
Regis Healthcare Ltd (ASX: REG)
The Regis Healthcare share price has surged 22% higher to $1.80. This follows the receipt of a takeover approach by investment house Washington H. Soul Pattinson and Co. Ltd (ASX: SOL) on Thursday. Washington H. Soul Pattinson tabled an offer of $1.85 per share, which has since being rejected by the aged care operator.
