What the other papers say this morning
FINANCIAL TIMES
Greece faces make or break year
Next year will be “a make or break” year for Greece’s future as a member of the eurozone, the country’s finance minister has said, warning Europe’s leaders that Athens still faces “the possible risk” of crashing out of the currency bloc.
“We can make it next year if we can stick to the programme agreed with the EU and IMF,” Yannis Stournaras said in an interview with the Financial Times. However, “the break would be if the political system finds the situation too difficult to handle”.
Apax calls time on €9bn fund drive
The intensifying struggle by private equity groups to raise funds has spurred plans by Apax Partners to call time on its current fund marketing push after reckoning its €9bn target is out of reach.
Poultry scare hits KFC owner
Yum Brands, which owns the popular fast-food chain KFC, saw its reputation in China shaken yesterday by allegations that its suppliers injected antiviral drugs and growth hormones into poultry in ways that violated mainland food safety regulations.
THE TIMES
Barratt Homes founder dies
Sir Lawrie Barratt, the man who made homeowning affordable for millions of Britons, has died aged 85. He achieved fame in 1977 when his company launched TV adverts that featured a helicopter flying over rows of Barratt Homes.
Royal Crown Derby sold to rival
Royal Crown Derby, the maker of porcelain tableware, was yesterday sold for an undisclosed sum to Steelite International, securing 200 jobs.
The Daily Telegraph
Inquiry launched into ‘Plebgate’
Scotland Yard yesterday opened a 30-officer investigation into whether there had been a police-orchestrated conspiracy to end the career of Andrew Mitchell, the Conservative Cabinet minister.
Whyte & Mackay profits soar 24pc
Whyte & Mackay, the distiller caught up in Diageo’s £1.3bn swoop on India’s United Spirits, has seen profits jump almost a quarter as Scotch whisky exports boom. The company is owned by Indian drinks tycoon Vijay Mallya’s United Spirits.
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
Catalonia to vote on independence
Nationalist leaders in Catalonia yesterday agreed to form a new government and hold a referendum on independence for the wealthy region, maintaining a push for autonomy that poses a major challenge to Spain’s central government.
Computer game publisher bankrupt
Videogame maker THQ yesterday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and said its assets will be acquired by affiliates of private equity firm Clearlake Capital Group LP in a roughly $60m deal.