Budget 2017: The new cigarette tax will be based on a pack price of £7.35 March 8, 2017 A new minimum excise tax (MET) will raise prices of the cheapest cigarettes. During his Budget speech today, chancellor Philip Hammond said the so-called floor on cigarettes is based on a pack price of £7.35. An MET is effectively a floor price that will hike the price of low-cost brands in an effort to encourage smokers to quit rather than switch [...]
London-listed vodka producer Stock Spirits’ profits up despite shareholder scuffle and challenges in Polish market March 8, 2017 London-listed Polish vodka producer Stock Spirits' net profits have soared despite challenges in its Polish market and attacks from an activist investor. The figures Stock Spirits's net profits have soared 46.4 per cent to €28.4m (£24.6m). However, net sales were down 0.6 per cent to €261m (£226m) from €262.6m a year before. The drinks giant has acquired three alcohol [...]
Property fund Pradera, backed by UK private wealth partnership LJ Partnership, buys 25 Ikea retail parks across Europe in €900m deal March 8, 2017 A retail property fund and asset manager has agreed a €900m (£780m) deal for 25 Ikea retail parks across Europe. Pradera, which is backed by UK-based private wealth partnership LJ Partnership, is buying centres in eight countries across the continent as part of the deal. The retail parks, situated next to Ikea stores, comprise around 500 [...]
Adidas’ share price is fighting fit after German retailer ups its income guidance March 8, 2017 Adidas' share price has jumped over seven per cent in morning trading after the company posted income growth over the €1bn (£870m) mark and increased its income guidance. The figures In Western Europe, Adidas' biggest market, sales increased by 17 per cent in 2016, growing to €5.29bn from €4.54bn the year before. Net income for the group jumped 51.2 [...]
The Restaurant Group’s share price has jumped as it reveals its turnaround plan after a tough 2016 March 8, 2017 After a challenging 2016, The Restaurant Group (TRG) said it is ready to pursue a new turnaround plan to grow its business. The figures The Frankie & Benny's owner said total like-for-like sales fell 3.9 per cent while revenue increased 3.7 per cent to £710.7m, in line with expectations for the year to 1 January. Adjusted pre-tax profit [...]
John Lewis tarnished by Apple Watch advertising scandal March 8, 2017 John Lewis' squeaky-clean image has been tarnished after it pulled an Apple Watch promotion from its website. The department store disappointed a customer over its Black Friday sales event when it advertised Apple Watches on sale for £249, a price-match offer which was part of the retailer's promise to be "never knowingly undersold". Read more: [...]
Paddy Power Betfair is trading neck and neck with analysts’ expectations March 7, 2017 Bookmaker Paddy Power Betfair saw its share price fall despite trading in line with expectations last year, underscoring perceptions that investors expect it to perform more strongly for the stock price. It highlighted an increase in underlying earnings of over a third to £400m as well as a significant dividend payment. The figures Revenues are up [...]
Payments company Paysafe share price drops despite nearly doubling profits March 7, 2017 The figures Payments processing company, Paysafe, saw its share price plummet 6 per cent lower this morning despite delivering a strong set of results and nearly doubling profits compared to last year. The company reported in its 2016 financial results today that it has nearly doubled adjusted profits after tax, achieving $213m (£174.6m) for the [...]
Mapped: All 34 Budgens store closures and when they will shut March 7, 2017 This morning it emerged that Budgens stores up an down the country have been closed after the operator of the stores went into administration. Accountancy firm PwC was appointed as administrators for the shops by restructuring firm Hilco Capital, but the accountancy giant could not find a buyer for the convenience stores. Read more: Budgens [...]
Mike Ashley wants you to know something about his Agent Provocateur takeover March 7, 2017 Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley's recent foray into frilly knickers may have raised eyebrows – but he wants you to know it wasn't just him who bought the lingerie retailer. In a statement today, Sports Direct clarified the £30m acquisition was made by Four Holdings, a company in which it owns a 25 per cent [...]