London Stock Exchange shows all is well with no one at the helm

The London Stock Exchange said it was business as usual on Friday despite failing to find a replacement for former chief executive Xavier Rolet yet.

The clearing-to-data group, rocked by a shareholder battle with activist shareholder Sir Chris Hohn last year, said it was making “good progress” to replace Rolet, having narrowed the list down to a “strong field” of candidates.

“The results speak for themselves,” said caretaker manager David Warren, who is also chief financial officer. “We are continuing to execute our strategy”.

The full dividend rose 19% to 51.6p after revenues climbed 17% to £1.77 billion for the year ending in December.

The firm’s information services division — made up of FTSE Russell — saw revenues rise 13% to £736 million but capital markets, which includes floats, was slower, rising 3% to £391 million.

Hohn, who runs top LSE investor TCI, had reportedly suggested that the LSE was a possible takeover target from big US rivals and Warren hinted that the LSE was better as a standalone company.

“We are very confident in our strategy and our businesses and our standalone prospects. We are delivering and continue to evaluate the landscape. We are executing on a well-defined strategy but at the same time you’re always aware of what’s around you,” said Warren, who has ruled himself out running for the chief executive’s role.