LONDON -- The FTSE 100 (FTSEINDICES: ^FTSE) gained ground for the third week in a row, adding 99 points to finish Friday at 6,721. That takes it tantalisingly close to the 13-year high of 6,876 set in May, after fears of a reining-in of economic stimulus have faded over the past month or two. We could still see new records being set before the end of the year.

Aberdeen Asset Management (ADN)
Aberdeen Asset Management enjoyed the FTSE 100's biggest gain of the week, with its share price climbing 44 pence (10.6%) to 459 pence after news broke of a potential link-up with Lloyds Banking Group.

Responding to press comment, Aberdeen confirmed on Thursday that it is discussing the possible acquisition of Scottish Widows Investment, and a strategic partnership with Lloyds could be on the cards.

Rolls-Royce Holdings (RR 1.25%)
News of a new contract sent shares in Rolls-Royce Holdings up 79 pence (7.2%) to end the week on 1,171 pence -- and that's after the shares went ex-dividend to the tune of 8.6 pence the same week.

The deal, which should bring in around 22 million pounds, will see Rolls-Royce supplying Stena Drilling with thrusters and deck machinery for two new semi-submersible rigs. The construction will be done at Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea.

ARM Holdings (ARM)
Chip designer ARM Holdings released a third-quarter update on Tuesday, and though the share price was up and down that day, it went on to lose 31 pence (3.1%) over the week to end Friday at 983 pence.

Although revenue for the quarter was up 26% to $287 million, which was ahead of analysts' predictions, lower-than-expected royalty revenue resulting from weaker mobile phone demand seems to be behind the bearish reaction.

Sports Direct International (FRAS 1.00%)
A pre-close update on Wednesday, telling us the company is on target for full-year EBITDA of 310 million pounds, had little effect on Sports Direct International's share price.

But the revelation a day later that founder and biggest stockholder Mike Ashley has sold 16 million shares for an average price of 662.5 pence sent the price down, and it ended the week showing a 23.5 pence (3.3%) loss at 688 pence.

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