Electrolux to take on US rivals with $3.3bn GE Appliances buy September 8, 2014 SWEDISH giant Electrolux confirmed yesterday it hs agreed to buy GE’s appliances business for $3.3bn (£2bn) in its biggest deal to date, boosting its US presence. Electrolux, whose brands include AEG, Zanussi and Frigidaire, is the world’s second-largest home appliances company with sales of SEK 109bn (£9.5bn) last year. Following the deal, the US will [...]
Acquisitions and a rise in diversity mark year September 8, 2014 ACCOUNTANCY FIRM of the year IT’S been a tough year for many accountancy firms – making it a very tough decision for our judges to make. However, it has also been a year of opportunity, as the achievements of our nominees prove. These companies have forged ahead, seeking new markets – especially in London’s growing [...]
Tonight Apple’s Cook will face his make or break moment with the world watching – Bottom Line September 8, 2014 The world will be watching tonight as Tim Cook walks on stage to an audience of some 2,000 journalists in San Francisco, and millions of eager fans watching his every move online, as Cook shows off Apple’s latest creation. Tonight is truly a make-or-break moment for Cook. Critics have panned his safe and steady steering [...]
Retailers cheer as sales recover September 8, 2014 RETAIL sales picked up again in August, with the high street enjoying its strongest growth since January this year. Like-for-like sales rose by 1.3 per cent in August compared with same time last year and a 0.3 per cent dip in July, according to the latest data from KPMG and the British Retail Consortium (BRC). [...]
Amazon’s Fire launches in the UK September 8, 2014 AMAZON’S Fire smartphone, the online retailer’s first foray into the crowded smartphone market, will go on sale in the UK on 30 September following its US launch in June. Amazon yesterday announced it has partnered exclusively with O2 to launch the phone which will be free on a £33 a month contract. The Fire features [...]
Hannam back in the game with new firm September 8, 2014 SEASONED City dealmaker Ian Hannam yesterday relaunched advisory boutique Strand Partners as Hannam and Partners. The firm is Hannam’s first foray back into finance since losing a market abuse fine appeal earlier this year. Hannam & Partners will be led by new chief executive Neil Passmore, a former colleague of Hannam’s during his days at [...]
Glenfiddich owner swallows Drambuie September 8, 2014 William Grant & Sons, the Scottish maker of Glenfiddich whisky and Hendrick’s gin has added Drambuie to its portfolio after snapping up the company yesterday for an undisclosed price. Drambuie, a blend of Scotch whisky, spices and honey whose history goes back to 1745, was put up for sale earlier this year by its owners, [...]
Ikea sleepover offers locals an Essex spa break September 8, 2014 YOU MAY have recently rested your frazzled over-worked minds, dear readers, by heading off to some faraway exotic location for a relaxing summer break. Yet for 20 lucky souls in Essex last weekend, an opportunity for chillaxing came from a less typical source. The pack headed off to Lakeside Ikea where they were treated to [...]
Jobhunters get suited and booted September 8, 2014 SHARP-SUITED City men, take note. If you’re looking to update your wardrobe, make sure you do another would-be man about town a favour by donating your old suit. House of Fraser is currently supporting Suited & Booted, a charity which gives donated interview clothes as well as job interview advice to vulnerable and unemployed men [...]
House prices show market finally cooling September 8, 2014 HOUSE prices rose by just 0.1 per cent in August, according to the Halifax index, showing that the UK’s fast-moving property market is finally slowing down. The small increase took the average price to £186,270, with prices in the three months to August three per cent higher than the previous quarter and 9.7 per cent [...]