Price rises and smaller data packages: Regulator voices concerns over Vodafone’s £15bn Three merger September 13, 2024 The planned £15bn merger between Vodafone and Three could lead to price increases for tens of millions of mobile customers, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has warned. The watchdog added that the deal, which was first announced last year, could also see customers get a reduced service such as smaller data packages in their [...]
Brooks Macdonald pledges ‘simpler’ business as it offloads international arm for £50m September 12, 2024 Money manager Brooks Macdonald has said it would simplify its business and “reignite growth” as it offloaded its international arm to Canaccord Genuity for £50m. In its annual results for the year to June 2024, the London-listed wealth management outfit said its funds under management had risen seven per cent to £18bn despite shedding some [...]
Luceco: Sales rise beyond expectations at lighting giant September 10, 2024 Revenue at LED lighting specialist Luceco grew beyond expectations during the first half of its financial year as easing inflation helped to stabilise prices. The London-listed firm, which is headquartered in Telford, saw its sales increase to £109.6m in the six months ending 30 June, 2024, up from £101.1m in the same period last year. [...]
Gamma Communications eyes move from AIM to FTSE 250 September 10, 2024 Gamma Communications, the UK-based business call services provider, is considering a move to the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market following a strong set of interim results which could potentially see the company moving from AIM to the FTSE 250 Index. Shares in Gamma surged by as much as 10 per cent in early trading on [...]
Equals: Payments fintech’s revenue jumps by a third amid record transaction values September 10, 2024 Payments fintech Equals Group has seen fees to financial advisers weigh on its earnings as it looks for a potential buyer, while revenue surged on the back of record transaction values.
Centamin set for £1.9bn takeover by gold mining giant Anglogold Ashanti September 10, 2024 The South African gold mining giant said Centamin was a "compelling strategic fit", highlighting the firm's Sukari mine in Egypt.
Nationwide to complete £2.9bn takeover of Virgin Money after FCA and PRA approval September 6, 2024 Nationwide is to complete its £2.9bn takeover of rival Virgin Money next month after the deal was given the green light by the UK’s financial regulators. The banks said in statement issued to the London Stock Exchange that the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Bank of England’s Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) have both approved [...]
Thomas Cook snapped up by Polish tech firm in £30m buyout September 5, 2024 British travel agency Thomas Cook has been acquired by a Polish tech firm, marking its return to Europe after spending four years under Chinese ownership. The acquisition by eSky, a Katowice-headquartered search engine and reservation system provider for airlines, will see its current owner, Fosun, hand over all but the Chinese arm of the business [...]
CMA clears Microsoft and Inflection AI partnership after merger ruling September 4, 2024 Britain’s competition regulator has today cleared Microsoft’s arrangements with Inflection AI, which included a licensing deal and the hiring of former Inflection employees. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced in April it was looking at three separate deals that potentially fall under UK merger law and, if so, whether they could have a harmful [...]
Haven and Warner Hotels owner slips into the red after Butlin’s sale September 4, 2024 The group behind Haven holiday parks and Warner Leisure Hotels fell into the red after the sale of Butlin’s, it has been revealed. Bourne Leisure, which is owned by investment giant Blackstone, has reported a pre-tax loss of £166.5m for 2023, according to newly-filed accounts with Companies House. The loss comes after the group reported [...]