Oilfield firm Schlumberger NV on Friday named Chief Operating Officer Olivier Le Peuch as chief executive as the company looks to shore up its world-leading position in oil and gas technology services.

* WPP down after rival Publicis cuts forecast (Adds news items, updates to closing prices)

Barrick Gold Corp has struck a deal to buy out its fellow shareholders in Acacia Mining with a higher bid than originally proposed, raising expectations Acacia's long-running tax dispute with the Tanzanian government will finally be resolved.

British visual effects company DNEG, owned by India's Prime Focus Ltd, has appointed bankers to prepare for a London listing that would value the company at "hundreds of millions of pounds", according to a Sky News report https://news.sky.com/story/chernobyl-fx-star-dneg-prepares-blockbuster-london-float-11766327 on Friday.

* Still believes in IPO at 'right valuation' (Adds advisers, details on negotiations and Asahi ranking)

Prime Focus Ltd's DNEG, a British visual effects company, has appointed bankers to prepare for a London listing that would value the company at "hundreds of millions of pounds", according to a Sky News report https://news.sky.com/story/chernobyl-fx-star-dneg-prepares-blockbuster-london-float-11766327 on Friday.

* Investment a boost for struggling South African economy (Adds background, Pioneer CEO comment,)

* Economic jitters hurting demand for packaging materials (Adds details, updates shares)

July 19 (Reuters - British broadcasters ITV and the BBC said on Friday they would launch streaming service BritBox in the UK at nearly 6 pounds ($7.51) per month, giving subscribers access to hit shows such as "Love Island", "Gentleman Jack" and "Coronation Street".

London's FTSE 100 posted broad gains on Friday as brighter hopes of a U.S. interest rate cut fuelled risk appetite, while mid-cap Acacia Mining soared after agreeing to an increased buyout offer from Barrick Gold.