BUZZ — UK's Great Portland Estates gains after strong first — half leasing demand

* Shares of property investment and development firm Great Portland Estates up 4% at 322.6 pence * Co signed 40 new leases and renewals in first half, generating £19 million ($25.20 million) of annual rent at 4.1% above estimated rental values * Stock up 1.2% YTD ($1 = £0.7540) (Reporting by Neeshita Beura in Bengaluru) ((Neeshita.Beura@thomsonreuters.com)