What you need to know before the open April 24, 2014 A higher open’s expected for European markets this morning, following the strong results from Apple and Facebook and despite yesterday’s negative finish. Germany’s latest IFO business survey is expected to be slightly weaker for April, although the positive manufacturing data seen yesterday could also mean a stronger-than-expected surprise. That said, ongoing weakness in China and [...]
Creston sees advertising growth February 3, 2014 Communications group Creston reported increases in revenue and headline profit during the three months to 31 December yesterday. “We remain cautious with regard to the ongoing impact of the volatility in some of our clients’ marketing budgets but are reassured by the successful pitching for new business in the period,” said Creston in a management [...]
Inside Track: Ross’s brutal shake-up could prove painful for taxpayers January 29, 2014 ROSS’S Brutal Shake-up – come next month, that will be the most appropriate use of the initials of Britain’s most troubled lender. After Monday’s kitchen and bathroom sinking all rolled into one, it’s not difficult to see why. McEwan’s predecessor as chief executive of Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), Stephen Hester, was fond of describing [...]
DS Smith forecasts growth will beat targets after in-line results March 6, 2014 RECYCLED packaging supplier DS Smith yesterday reported in-line results for the third quarter and said growth remains ahead of its medium-term financial targets. The FTSE 250 firm said that like-for-like corrugated box volume growth has remained good, with a particularly strong performance from Germany and central and eastern Europe. The company, which packages McVities Hobnobs [...]
What the other papers say this morning – 04 March 2014 March 3, 2014 FINANCIAL TIMES Nine private equity heads share $2.5bn The nine founders of the four big listed US private equity companies took home more than $2.5bn between them last year, with Apollo Global Management’s Leon Black alone receiving $546m. The dividend income, investment profits and other compensation shared by the founders of Apollo, Blackstone, Carlyle and [...]
Bottom Line: Spread this: I can’t believe it’s not better January 21, 2014 IT DOESN’T look bullish for UK waistlines that Unilever, the world’s biggest ice cream maker, just recorded its twenty-fifth successive quarter of UK growth. Americans have more willpower. Ben and Jerry’s Chunky Monkey wasn’t enough to keep the US market from slowing consumption of the firm’s frozen treats, helping to send its refreshment division down [...]
Unilever warns of slowing growth in emerging markets and little sign of recovery in North America and Europe July 25, 2013 Consumer goods company Unilever has warned that emerging markets are facing slowdown, as it posts results for the first half of 2013 (release). Growth is slowing in emerging markets, as macro-economic headwinds influence consumer behaviour. Within this overall trend we see a mixed picture across the major countries reflecting different local circumstances. Developed markets remain [...]
PwC wins £9m audit contract for Vodafone February 13, 2014 VODAFONE will replace auditor Deloitte after 26 years with rival PwC from April. The FTSE 100 telecoms giant made the announcement following a tender process first announced in November 2013. “We thank Deloitte for their significant contribution as Vodafone’s auditors and we look forward to working with PwC going forward,” said Vodafone audit and risk [...]
Dassault Systemes snaps up US software company in $750m deal January 30, 2014 San Diego-based software provider Accelrys, whose clients include AstraZeneca, Du Pont and Unilever, is set to be bought by France's Dassault Systemes for $750m (£452) in an attempt to expand its product range. The Accelrys board has unanimously approved the deal which is expected to be concluded in the second quarter of 2014. Dassault is [...]
City Moves for 28 February 2014 | Who’s switching jobs February 27, 2014 Standard Chartered The bank has announced the appointment of Sanjeeb Chaudhuri as group head of brand and chief marketing officer. He joined in 2011 from Citicorp, where he was chief executive for retail and commercial banking for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Chaudhuri has also held senior marketing and general management positions at [...]