The FTSE Group has announced a number of changes to the FTSE 100 index, which will see the inclusion of financial services provider Hargreaves Lansdown.

Bristol-based Hargreaves Lansdown (HRGV.L) will be joined by UK television network ITV (ITV.L) and international energy company Wood Group (WG.L).

As part of the rebalancing, three companies will leave the FTSE 100 including investment trust Alliance Trust (ATST.L), distribution group Bunzl (BNZL.L), and miner African Barrick Gold (ABGL.L).

The three companies leaving the FTSE 100 will be relegated to the FTSE 250 index. Changes will be implemented at the close of business on Friday 18 March 2011 and take effect from the start of trading on Monday 21 March 2011.

The news as Hargreaves Lansdown co-founder Steve Lansdown announced he would be stepping down as chairman of Bristol City Football Club at the end of May,

Lansdown said he was stepping down as he spends much of his time in Guernsey but would remain the football club's controlling shareholder.