Nest Protect review: A wantonly profligate but eminently stylish way to protect against smoke and fumes November 16, 2017 It strikes to the core of everything that’s wrong with western civilization that a smoke alarm, perhaps the most baldly practical device ever invented, something whose sole purpose is to stop you from choking to death on sooty black clouds while you lie in your bed at night, can become a coveted piece of consumer [...]
John Lewis, Pret and the 30 biggest private companies MPs want held more accountable February 12, 2017 Middle class favourite John Lewis and lunch time hotsport Pret a Manger are just two of Britain's most well-known businesses which could be subject to a stricter code of governance traditionally reserved for Britain's top public companies. Under new proposals suggested by a group of MPs, 30 of Britain's biggest privately owned companies would have to set [...]
Lower costs and Christmas cheer up Wilko as sales swell to £1.46bn June 29, 2016 Hardware and household goods retailer Wilko has reported sales through to end of January of £1.46bn, up 1.4 per cent on the previous year. The privately-owned company recorded an operating profit of £23.6m, up from £2.9m the previous year after paying an outstanding loan of £22m six years ahead of schedule. Wilko finished the year [...]
Poundland’s share price soars as discount retailer gets greenlight for 99p Stores takeover August 25, 2015 Poundland's acquisition of (more) budget rival 99p Stores has been given the provisional go-ahead by the competition watchdog, sending the listed company's share price soaring. The Competition and Markets Authority this morning said the merger “may not be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition”. It said: "Along with Poundworld, [...]
Mike Ashley adds MegaValue.com high street store to Sports Direct business June 1, 2015 Mike Ashley rarely sits still. With his ownership of the beleaguered Newcastle United dominating the headlines, the Sports Direct owner has quietly added a new high street business to his interests. Read more: Rangers and Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley has too much power, says IoD The subtly-titled MegaValue.com is a new discount store that recently appeared [...]
Poundland agrees to probe by authorities into 99p Stores deal May 6, 2015 POUNDLAND said yesterday it has agreed to proceed with a full-scale investigation by the competition watchdog over its proposed £55m tie-up with 99p Stores. The bargain chain said last month that it was considering whether to continue to pursue the deal or walk away after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) raise concerns over 92 [...]
Poundland brings forward competition probe into 99p Stores deal May 6, 2015 Bargain store Poundland has bought forward a competition probe into its offer to buy rival 99p Stores for £55m. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) previously said the tie-up could create "a realistic prospect of less competition" in 80 local areas – and an additional 12 areas where they will be competitors in the near future. It said [...]
Poundland faces competition probe over 99p Stores tie-up April 9, 2015 POUNDLAND’S offer to buy rival 99p Stores for £55m is facing an in-depth investigation by the competition watchdog, amid concerns reduced competition will lead to fewer promotions and store closures. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) warned that it could launch a 24-week in-depth probe unless Poundland “offers acceptable undertakings to address the CMA’s competition [...]
Poundland-99p Stores tie-up threatened by Competition and Markets Authority April 9, 2015 Poundland's offer to buy rival 99p Stores for £55m is facing an in-depth investigation by the competition watchdog, amid concerns reduced competition will lead to reduced quality, fewer promotions and store closures. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it believes the tie-up could create "a realistic prospect of less competition" in 80 local areas – [...]
Dear Uber drivers: As its Spotify tie-up launches, you’re going to hear way more Kate Bush, One Direction – and Kirsty MacColl November 21, 2014 The tie-up between Spotify and Uber launches today, meaning anyone who gets in an Uber cab can listen to their own tunes. The system works using a feature inside Uber's app which connects to the driver's phone. As long as it is plugged into the sound system, it allows passengers to determine what plays over [...]