ITV acquires Shaun of the Dead producer July 26, 2013 ITV has announced it has acquired 100 per cent of Big Talk Productions, producer of programmes like Friday Night Dinner and Him & Her, as well as films like Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and The World’s End. ITV will pay an initial cash consideration and further capped cash payments depending on Big Talk's [...]
Abe says election win will help Japan deliver decisive “third arrow” reforms July 26, 2013 Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe has said the revolving door of politics is over and promised greater certainty on economic reform, following his parliamentary upper house election win last week. Speaking at the 33rd Singapore lecture on economics and relations with southeast Asia, Abe said he would focus on the “third arrow” of reform in [...]
Restructuring charges drag down Pearson profits July 26, 2013 British publisher Pearson has reported a 26 per cent drop in adjusted operating profit to £137m following £27m of gross resturcutring charges and investment in new product launches. Adjusted earnings per share fell to 4.9 pence from 9.9 pence, below analyst expectations of 10.6 pence. However, sales showed a strong five per cent growth, coming [...]
Three charts: French consumer confidence up, expected unemployment down, and inflation fears resurface July 26, 2013 (Source: INSEE) French consumer confidence has risen from 79 (revised from 78) to 82 in July, while economists forecast just a one point increase from that unrevised figure to 79 (release). In July, households were largely less numerous than in June to forecast an increase in unemployment. The corresponding balance lost 17 points and reached [...]
Before the open – 26/07 July 26, 2013 The FTSE is expected up slightly after a strong US earnings season yesterday. Grant Lewis, Daiwa Capital Markets: Yet more good data vindicating Abenomics overnight, with the latest CPI data coming in a little stronger than expected. Headline national CPI came in at 0.2%Y/Y in June, taking this index back into positive territory for the [...]
Sky announces £500m share buyback as dividend sees ninth consecutive rise July 26, 2013 British Sky Broadcasting has announced a £500m capital return to shareholders via share buy-back, as it releases results for the year ended 30 June (release). The firm saw profit before tax rise to £1,257m from £1,189m in the same period last year and has seen 150,000 customers sign up for its new Sky Go Extra [...]
Miner Rio Tinto announces £670m investment in water supply project July 26, 2013 Rio Tinto has announced a $1.30bn (£670m) investment in a new 2,500 litre per sector seawater desalination facility to supply water to Escondida mine in Chile, in which Rio Tinto has a 30 per cent interest (release). The project will provide a sustainable supply of water for the new OGP1 copper concentrator approved in February [...]
Reach new heights July 25, 2013 Growing pressure on open spaces in the capital has created a surge of interest in properties with roof terraces. Naomi Mdudu rounds up the best on the market. Kensington Roof Gardens, Boundary, Soho House: us Londoners are suckers for a rooftop terrace. Great views over the city and a relaxing spot to indulge in a [...]
Elephant & Castle gets a lick of paint July 25, 2013 One The Elephant is the new development at the heart of the area’s regeneration, promising affordable living in Zone 1 One The Elephant is the latest big tower on the London skyline. When complete, the 37-storey building, which is designed by award winning architects Squire and Partners, will offer 254 new homes, from studios through [...]
Focus on: Chiswick July 25, 2013 NEED TO KNOW | AREA INSIGHT DESPITE being known as the a go-to destination for foodies, there’s more to Chiswick than its impressive stable of quality delicatessens, greengrocers and top-notch eateries. The affluent west London suburb is one of the top commuter hotspots due to its close proximity to central London and offers large properties [...]