FCA lays out research changes to boost investment into London markets November 5, 2024 The Financial Conduct Authority has revealed a host of changes to investment research rules today in an attempt to enhance analysts’ coverage of smaller companies and boost investment into the stock market. A lack of investment research in the UK has been frequently cited as a key reason for declining investment in Britain over the [...]
Dairy lost over £10m before being gobbled up by Müller November 5, 2024 A Lancashire diary slumped to a loss of more than £10m in the year before it was acquired by milk and yoghurt giant Müller, it has been revealed. Yew Tree Diary has reported a pre-tax loss of £10.2m for the 12 months to 31 March, 2024. The loss comes after the business made a pre-tax [...]
Close Brothers warned of £640m hit if car loan scandal spreads November 5, 2024 Close Brothers could take a hit to its profits worth almost double its stock market value if a brewing car loan scandal spreads to other areas of consumer finance, analysts have warned.
Approval nears for £15bn Vodafone and Three merger November 5, 2024 A range of investments have been proposed by the competition watchdog which, if accepted, would lead to the £15bn merger between Vodafone and Three being finally completed. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has suggested upgrading the merged company’s network across the UK, including the roll-out of 5G, as well as short-term customer protections. The [...]
Higher prices warning issued over Wincanton takeover as GXO handed ultimatum November 1, 2024 The £762m takeover of Wincanton by GXO could lead to higher prices for business customers in the UK, according to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The watchdog has issued its initial findings on the deal which saw the Wiltshire-based business taken over by logistics giant GXO and delist from the London Stock Exchange earlier [...]
Competition intensifies in Saudi’s surging insurance industry October 29, 2024 In recent years, Saudi Arabia has been building an insurance industry from scratch. In the process, the country has generated home-grown companies and attracted international giants such as Bupa to help cater to rising demand. So far, the expansion of insurance in the Kingdom has been dizzying. According to Saudi Arabia’s central bank (SAMA), in [...]
Santander UK profit slides as analysts forecast £1.8bn motor finance hit October 29, 2024 Santander has revealed a sharp fall in its UK profit during the third quarter, while delaying the publication of more detailed figures as it digests a landmark motor finance court ruling in London.
CMA launches legal action against Emma Group October 25, 2024 The UK's competition watchdog has launched legal proceedings against mattress seller Emma Group after finding "harmful online selling practices".
Thames Water launches £3bn emergency fundraising drive October 25, 2024 Thames Water has launched a £3bn fundraising drive to help pay off some of the struggling utility’s large debt pile. The water company has just £500m in cash, and hopes the new money will extend its ability to function for at least another year. Thames Water said today that the money will allow the firm [...]
CMA launches merger inquiry into Alphabet and Anthropic partnership October 24, 2024 Britain's competition watchdog has opened a merger inquiry into Alphabet's partnership with artificial intelligence (AI) safety start-up Anthropic.