Editor's Picks
Uncertain times at Punch Taverns
Tuesday 12 Apr 2011
Punch Taverns, Britain’s biggest pub group has a clear plan for its demerger between its managed pub arm and its tenanted division.
Another Brazilian success for BG
Tuesday 12 Apr 2011
There was more good news from Brazil for BG Group as the oil and gas firm said a test of its offshore Guara Norte well confirmed productivity of about 6,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd). Shares fell back in early trading, however, with traders more concerned about the implications of IMF growth forecasts for the US economy.
Japan raises nuclear alert to Chernobyl levels
Tuesday 12 Apr 2011
The severity of the incident at the Fukushima–Daiichi nuclear power plant has been raised to 7 from level 5 the highest on an internationally recognized scale, an official at Japan´s Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) announced last night.
Ultra wins US Navy sub detection orders
Tuesday 12 Apr 2011
Defence electronics supplier Ultra Electronics has won a contract worth about $25m (£15m) to supply the US navy with sonobuoys, which detect submarines.
William Sinclair in line for royal wedding boost
Tuesday 12 Apr 2011
Gardening products supplier William Sinclair pointed to its green fingered customers replacing plants damaged during the extreme winter as it reported trading slightly ahead of expectations for the six months to 31 March.
Punch names chairman-designate for Spirit
Tuesday 12 Apr 2011
Walker Boyd, non-executive chairman of newsagent chain WH Smith, is in line for the same job at Spirit, the managed pubs arm of Punch Taverns that is to be spun off from the heavily indebted pubs group. The 58-year old Boyd will join the Punch board with immediate effect as a non-executive director.
Road ahead could be tough for GKN
Tuesday 12 Apr 2011
GKN, which makes parts for cars and planes, has, as expected, reported that trading was hurt by the recent earthquake.
888 boss waves goodbye
Monday 11 Apr 2011
Gaming firm 888 Holdings has revealed that its chief executive officer Gigi Levy is saying farewell and stepping down from his role to pursue other interests. Shares fell on Monday as investors seemed disappointed by the news. Broker Daniel Stewart said that in its view, Levy would be the “front man” to broker a deal with a prospective buyer.
Entertainment One reassures on Peppa Pig
Monday 11 Apr 2011
Entertainment One, the franchise owner for the cartoon character Peppa Pig, said it remains committed to developing a fifth and sixth series in response to press speculation that the creators will stop making the show next year. The two new series will bring the total number of episodes to more than 200, it said.
Lloyds protests ICB's call for more disposals
Monday 11 Apr 2011
Lloyds Banking Group has hit back at a recommendation by the Independent Banking Commission that it should sell more than branches than the bank currently intends. It said Lloyds proposed sale of 600 branches would have a limited impact on competition and proposes “enhancing the divesture.” The bank's chief executive Antonio Horta-Osorio said Lloyds is “surprised” by the ICB’s proposal.
Barclaycard blow for CPP
Monday 11 Apr 2011
CPP, the identity theft and credit card insurer that is under investigation by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) for certain issues surrounding the sale of its products in the UK, said that Barclaycard has decided to stop using CPP's 'call to confirm' services while it completes a review of the service.
RWS encouraged by strong H1 trading
Monday 11 Apr 2011
Patent translation specialist RWS Holdings said it is encouraged by strong trading in the first six months of the financial year and expects revenues to increase by at least 10% to £32.4m.
Market overview: ICB says no to bank demergers
Monday 11 Apr 2011
8:07: Britain's banking giants breathed a sigh of relief Monday morning as a report by the Independent Commission on Banking (ICB) stopped short of recommending that banks that have investment banking arms should demerge those operations. Instead, the ICB has recommended that banks' retail operations should be be protected by a “firewall” from the investment banking division. The ICB's full
Compass gobbles up Indian catering outfits
Monday 11 Apr 2011
Catering titan Compass has added to its Indian operations with the acquisition of two catering outfits in the fast growing Asian economy.
Japan quake hurts GKN car operations
Monday 11 Apr 2011
Automotive and aerospace engineer GKN said its car operations have been impacted by the recent earthquake in Japan, though market conditions have otherwise been as expected in the first quarter.
International growth boosts Michael Page
Monday 11 Apr 2011
Soaring international revenues helped recruitment group Michael Page post a sharp rise in profits in the first quarter, though growth was more subdued in the UK amid continuing difficult economic conditions. Total gross profit was up by 30% from the same period the previous year at £127.3m. he Asia Pacific and Americas divisions both saw profits rise by more than 60%.
Oil hits two-and-a-half year highs
Friday 08 Apr 2011
Oil prices hit fresh two-and-a-half year highs in London amid continuing worries over supplies from Libya and as the dollar slid against other currencies. The rebels in Libya have accused government forces of attacking three different oil installations in the east of the country, halting production. Brent crude climbed by more than a dollar to sit above $124.
Games Workshop to produce great figures
Friday 08 Apr 2011
Tabletop fantasy and science fiction war games firm Games Workshop expects pre-tax profits in the current financial year will be ahead of expectations.
Rio's Riversdale bid crawls across finish line
Friday 08 Apr 2011
Mining giant Rio Tinto has finally managed to get majority control of Australian mining company Riversdale, bringing to an end a bid saga that has been running since Christmas.
Landkom shrugs off winter freeze
Friday 08 Apr 2011
Landkom’s crops were largely unaffected by the severe winter weather, the Ukrainian grain and oilseeds grower said.
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