1025 GMT - Rentokil's market reaction to the appointment of Mike Duffy as CEO reflects U.K. investors' caution toward an unfamiliar name, AJ Bell's Dan Coatsworth writes in a note. "The lackluster market reaction to his appointment might simply reflect Duffy's position as an unknown name to many investors, particularly in the U.K., " he says. The U.K. provider of pest control, hygiene and workwear services said Duffy--who is currently head of American logistics company OnTrac-- will take up the role on March 16. However, the analyst notes that Duffy's experience and U.S. base is a good fit for the company, given the need to fix Rentokil's U.S. business following its $6.7 billion acquisition in the region four years ago, he adds. Shares are down 1.5% at 4.66 pounds.(najat.kantouar@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 13, 2026 05:25 ET (10:25 GMT)

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