Ashtead Technology posts ‘record’ half year as it eyes more deals September 2, 2024 Ashtead Technology said it achieved a “record” performance in the first half of the year as it looks to build out its merger and acquisition (M&A) pipeline. In the six months ended 30 June 2024, the subsea equipment rental and provider for the offshore energy industry posted a 61 per cent year-on-year increase in revenue [...]
Kurt Geiger boss joins list of retailers slamming the end of tax-free shopping September 2, 2024 Kurt Geiger’s boss has said the UK is shooting itself in the foot by not bringing back tax-free shopping for international visitors. Kurt Geiger’s chief executive, Neil Clifford, told The Times that the end of VAT-free shopping has had a “massively negative effect” on Britain”. “International tourists, whether it be Middle Eastern or American travellers, [...]
Specsavers maintains £15m pay day despite falling profit September 2, 2024 Specsavers has maintained the £15m payday for its Guernsey-based owners despite another year of a decline in its profit. The national brand has handed the interim dividend to its parent company Specsavers Optical Group, the same total as in its prior financial year. The ultimate parent company of the UK business is beneficially owned by [...]
Culture secretary Nandy slams ‘vastly inflated’ Oasis ticket prices September 2, 2024 The UK’s culture secretary has slammed the “vastly inflated” selling of Oasis tickets as “depressing”, as she announced that dynamic pricing will be included in an upcoming government review of the secondary gig sales market. Over the weekend, standard tickets to see Mancunian duo Liam and Noel Gallagher reunite surged in price on some resale [...]
Artemis Alpha trust agrees to takeover by Phoenix competitor September 2, 2024 The Phoenix-run Aurora Investment Trust has proposed a takeover of the Artemis Alpha Trust, which would see the two trusts merge to combine £353m of assets. The £123.7m Artemis trust and the £198.6m Aurora trust are around 25 years old. The new trust will be named the Aurora Alpha Trust if the merger is completed. [...]
Oakley Capital: Private equity firm sells digital learning platform to Lloyd’s Register September 2, 2024 Private equity firm Oakley Capital has sold digital learning platform Ocean Technologies Group (OTG) to maritime classification society Lloyd’s Register for an undisclosed sum.
Axe-throwing bar chain toasts growth as Brits look for competitive night out September 2, 2024 Novelty bar operator XP Factory topped market expectations today after a boost in Brits looking for competitive nights out with activities like axe throwing and mini golf. Group revenue more than doubled in the 15 months ended 31 March 2024, to £57.3m from £22.8m. Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose to [...]
Londonmetric makes £120m worth of acquisitions and sales in dealmaking spree September 2, 2024 LondonMetric has made £70m worth of acquisitions and offloaded other assets worth £50m in the real estate investment trust's (REIT) latest dealmaking spree.
NHS supplier Kainos lowers full year revenue forecast after ‘tough’ trading September 2, 2024 London-listed software provider Kainos has downgraded its revenue forecast for 2025 after a subdued start to the year and more aggressive pricing among its partners. Management said it expected adjusted pre-tax profit to perform in line with the current analyst consensus of £79.1m for the year ending 31 March 2025. Due to a “tougher trading environment [...]
PRS REIT attempts to negotiate with rogue shareholders September 2, 2024 Embattled PRS REIT has promised to negotiate with the group threatening to take control of its business. Last week, the investment trust faced calls from a group of investors, including Waverton Investment Management and CCLA Investment Management, to replace chair Stephen Smith and non-executive director Steffan Francis and adjust the trust’s strategy. The group controls [...]