UK Stocks-Factors to watch on Feb 2

Feb 2 (Reuters) - Britain's FTSE 100 .FTSE index is seen opening 10 to 15 points lower, or down as much as 0.2 percent on Thursday, according to financial bookmakers.

* The UK blue chip index ended up 0.1 percent, coming off earlier highs as commodity-related stocks retreated. The benchmark index dropped to its lowest level since late December on Tuesday before closing 0.3 percent weaker. RECKITT BENCKISER:UK consumer giant Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc RB.L said it was in advanced talks to buy baby food maker Mead Johnson Nutrition Co MJN.N in a deal valued at about $16.7 billion. SPORTS DIRECT: British sporting goods company Sports Direct International Plc SPD.L is in talks to bid for Eastern Outfitters LLC, the parent of U.S. discount chain Bob's Stores and outdoor retailer Eastern Mountain Sports, people familiar with the matter said. DEUTSCHE BOERSE: Deutsche Boerse DB1Gn.DE said on Wednesday that German prosecutors were investigating a share purchase by its chief executive in December 2015, which was just over two months before the exchange operator announced merger talks. For more on the factors affecting European stocks, please click on: cpurl://apps.cp./cms/?pageId=livemarkets

* UK CORPORATE DIARY:

Vodafone Group Plc

VOD.L

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Statement Release Aberdeen Asset

ADN.L

Q1 2017 Trading Management Plc

Statement Release Cranswick Plc

CWK.L

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Statement Release 3i (LON: III ) Infrastructure Plc

3IN.L