BUZZ-Atmus Filtration rises as co set to join S&P SmallCap index

** Atmus Filtration Technologies ATMU.N shares up 3.4% at $59.61 early Mon as co poised to join S&P SmallCap 600 index .SPCY later this week

** ATMU to replace Air Lease Corp AL.N in SPCY prior to market open on Thurs, Apr 9, S&P Dow Jones Indices said late Thurs

** A consortium of investors led by Sumitomo Corp 8053.T and SMBC Aviation Capital expected to soon complete acquisition of aircraft lessor AL in $7.4 bln deal

** Stephens analyst Melissa Roberts said in a note she anticipates passive funds will need to purchase 11 mln ATMU shares, implying roughly 14 days of buying demand

** Nashville, Tennessee-based co has ~81.7 mln shares outstanding for ~$4.7 bln market cap

** Shares of the maker of advanced filtration systems primarily under the Fleetguard brand, protecting heavy-duty engines and equipment, now up about 15% YTD and roughly 80% over the past 12 months

** 4 of 5 analysts rate the shares "strong buy" or "buy", 1 "hold"; median PT $69.50, per LSEG data

(Lance Tupper is a Reuters market analyst. The views expressed are his own)

((lance.tupper@tr.com 1-646-279-6380))