Greater government powers over takeover deals could be used for political purposes, critics warn November 21, 2018 Leading investors, trade bodies, lawyers and banks have criticised proposals to give the government greater powers to intervene in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), raising concerns that new rules could be exploited for political purposes. The proposals would give officials greater scope to scrutinise deals on security grounds. A senior minister could call-in any merger, acquisition or [...]
UK’s customs system would not work properly for two years in no-deal Brexit, MPs told November 21, 2018 A 'no deal' Brexit would see the UK without a fully functioning customs system for two years, MPs were told on Wednesday. Senior officials from HM Revenue & Customs told the Treasury committee the moment to start planning for the talks collapsing passed months ago" in a sobering warning. MPs heard the UK would struggle [...]
Johnson Matthey shares jump as clean air tech the catalyst for profit boost November 21, 2018 Chemical technology company Johnson Matthey’s share price rose by 14.3 per cent today after it posted a strong rise in profit in its half year results. The company, which develops emissions control technologies such as catalytic converters, reported double digit year-on-year growth across several key metrics and said it expected its full year performance to [...]
Footlocker shares leap on strong Nike sales November 21, 2018 Shares in trainer retailer Foot Locker jumped by as much as 20 per cent today after its third quarter results showed an increase in shoe sales, as customers flocked to buy Nike’s new Air Max range. Analysts had feared that Nike’s move to start selling shoes via Amazon and its own stores would hurt Foot [...]
Embattled budget airline Flybe secures further $5m as it bolster finances ahead of potential sale November 21, 2018 Embattled budget airline Flybe has raised a further $5m (£3.9m) as it continues to bolster its finances ahead of a potential sale. Flybe said it secured the funds through a German bank Norddeutsche Landesbank, secured against a Bombardier aircraft. The Exeter-based airline confirmed it was seeking a sale earlier this month after profits nosedived 54 [...]
West End retailers go to town on promotions to ensure expected £150m Black Friday boost November 21, 2018 Retail sales on London’s busiest shopping streets are expected to see a £150m boost over the Black Friday weekend amid challenging conditions on the high street, according to a trade group representing retailers in the area. Sales are expected to equal those of last year among around 600 retailers on Bond Street, Oxford Street and Regent Street, [...]
Ofgem to help over 100,000 customers as another energy supplier goes bust November 21, 2018 Ofgem has said it will step to ensure a smooth transition for customers as yet another small energy provider went out of business today, the sixth this year. Customers of Extra Energy will be protected by the regulator’s safety net, it said. The company’s 108,000 domestic and 21,000 business customers have been told not to switch [...]
Bombardier slashes hundreds of Belfast jobs in cost cutting drive November 21, 2018 Aerospace manufacturer Bombardier is to axe 490 jobs in Belfast as it scrambles to cut costs and streamline its operations. The aerospace firm had indicated earlier this month that UK jobs may be at risk as it announced 5,000 worldwide redundancies, most of those in Canada, where it is based. Bombardier said following the announcement [...]
BMW wins licence to launch ride-hailing Uber competitor in China November 21, 2018 BMW has been awarded a licence to launch a ride-hailing firm in China in December, making it the first global car manufacturer to enter the competitive market. Operating under the name BMW Mobility Service, BMW said its licence has been granted for initial operations in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. The Chinese market is [...]
Labour could form minority government without a general election, says John McDonnell November 21, 2018 Shadow chancellor John McDonnell has said Labour could form a minority government without a general election if Theresa May's Brexit deal is voted down in parliament. His comments mark a change of tack for the Labour leadership, which has been arguing for a fresh general election in the face of Brexit uncertainty. Speaking at a [...]