UBS and Deutsche in ‘serious’ talks over asset management merger April 24, 2019 The asset management divisions of Deutsche Bank and UBS are in “serious” talks over a potential merger, according to reports. The combined businesses would have more than €1.4 trillion (£1.2 trillion) of assets under management, overtaking Legal and General in the UK and France’s Axa to create a rival to Amundi, which is Europe’s largest [...]
Backbench Tory MPs table further talks on Theresa May leadership challenge April 24, 2019 A group of influential Tory MPs will meet again today to discuss the possibility of ousting Theresa May as Prime Minister after talks last night failed to reach a decision. The 1922 committee is mulling a change to the party rulebook that would allow them to launch a fresh challenge against May, despite her winning [...]
UK investment banker speaks of grief after losing two children in Sri Lanka suicide bomb attacks April 24, 2019 A UK investment banker who lost two children in the Sri Lanka bomb attacks has spoken about his desperate attempt to save them. Matt Linsey, founder and managing partner of North of South Capital, told CNN that Amelie and Daniel Linsey were walking back from the Shangri-La hotel buffet when a bomb exploded. Read more: [...]
Interserve finance boss throws in the towel weeks after administration April 24, 2019 Interserve’s finance chief will quit the company just weeks after it fell into the hands of its lenders having buckled under the weight of a £730m debt pile. Read more: FRC investigates Grant Thornton audits of Interserve Mark Whiteling, chief financial officer at the outsourcing giant for just 18 months, informed colleagues this week that [...]
Cafe bar operator raises £83m ahead of float as valuation comes in below City expectations April 24, 2019 Cafe bar operator Loungers has raised more than £80m today ahead of its listing next week. Read more: Restaurant sector defies confidence slump as UK leisure spending grows However, the group is set to valued at £185m when it floats, falling below City expectations of a £250m market capitalisation. The owner of 146 neighbourhood, café bars [...]
WH Smith: High-flyer divides City April 24, 2019 | City Talk By Graeme Evans from interactive investor. Latest results are fuel for another assault on a record high. Here’s why Smith splits the Square Mile. With £1 billion worth of dividends or buybacks since 2007, WH Smith (LSE:SMWH) shareholders can have few complaints about the retailer’s tried and tested strategy when it comes to selling stationery, [...]
On the map: Now Google Maps displays real-time electric car charging points April 24, 2019 Electric car drivers will today find it easier to find charging points for their vehicles as Google included real-time data on the sites across the UK and US. Drivers will be able to search for “ev [electric vehicle] charging stations” to see how many ports are currently available at each site, and other details such as [...]
Theresa May breaks the record for most unpopular Conservative minister April 24, 2019 Theresa May has broken the record for the least popular Conservative cabinet minister to date, as ranked by Tory party members, over her decision to postpone Brexit. The Prime Minister’s net satisfaction rating plummeted to -73.5 this month from -51.2 in March, according to a poll by Conservative Home. Read more: Theresa May seeks new vote [...]
Runners and riders: Meet the candidates who could replace Mark Carney as the Bank of England governor April 24, 2019 Speculation has begun over the next governor of the Bank of England after the Chancellor Philip Hammond launched the hunt for Mark Carney’s successor this morning. Carney’s tenure began amid post-crisis reform of financial system regulation but his latter years have been characterised by Brexit, which his successor will also have to navigate through. Read [...]
London is leading the way for a more sustainable fashion industry April 24, 2019 Tomorrow marks the six-year anniversary of the Rana Plaza building collapse in Bangladesh. A stark reminder of the real human cost of the current fashion industry, and an important time to consider what the future of fashion is shaping up to be. Rana Plaza housed five garment factories that made clothes for big global brands. [...]