Miners give support as they rise to recoup their losses July 7, 2009 MINERS were the saviour of the FTSE 100 yesterday, offsetting falling oil stocks and disappointing UK industrial output data to keep the index flat, or just 7.91 points lower, at 4,187. Data showed that UK manufacturing output unexpectedly shrank in May, falling 0.5 per cent on the month, making it less likely the economy returned [...]
Arabian ark an eccentric but brilliant getaway July 5, 2009 TWO cheetah brothers bask in the sunshine, panting as they stretch their lean bodies gracefully in the heat. Giraffes munch lazily on foliage while nearby a sand gazelle with her young jumps among the trees. The only sound to pierce the silence is the peacock’s call. I am lost in the scene until my driver [...]
STANLEY FINK TO BRING ARK GALA DINNER GLITZ OUT OF HEDGIE SHELL July 5, 2009 WHAT a coup for former Man group boss Stanley Fink at the weekend, as he stepped into hedgie philanthropist Arki Busson’s shoes as the chairman of children’s charity Absolute Return for Kids (ARK). Busson is best known for his engagement to actress Uma Thurman and his hefty contribution to the hedge fund social circuit with [...]
FirstGroup’s bid rejected June 29, 2009 BUS and rail operator National Express has rejected a bid approach from larger rival FirstGroup to create a global giant ferrying millions of American school children and British commuters each day. Britain’s FirstGroup, which operates Greyhound buses in the US and ranks itself as the world’s leading transport company moving more than 2.5bn passengers a [...]
GIRL POWER IN THE CITY June 28, 2009 Never one to pass up the chance to dwell upon the successes of the ladies in the business world, The Capitalist has been perusing this year’s list of the top 35 women under 35 with interest. The list is compiled by Management Today, and the world of the City, as ever, features heavily. Nestled alongside [...]
Bishop to exit BMI on a high June 22, 2009 GERMAN flag carrier Lufthansa yesterday made headway on wrapping up its acquisitions of BMI British Midland and Brussels Airlines after it addressed competition concerns voiced by the European Commission. Lufthansa also said yesterday it had struck a deal with Sir Michael Bishop to acquire his stake of 50 per cent plus one share in BMI [...]
Holidaying through rose-tinted spectacles June 21, 2009 BEACHES are what the Caribbean does best, and you’ll struggle to top the postcard perfection of Pink Sands in the Bahamas. Gazing out across the sand, it’s as though you’re seeing the world through rose-tinted spectacles, as the swathes of powder edging Harbour Island have a fantastical salmon-tinged hue. Crushed pinky shells of microscopic marine [...]
Federer feels no pressure as he goes in search of history June 21, 2009 RED-HOT favourite Roger Federer insists he has shelved any thoughts of creating tennis history at Wimbledon this next fortnight. The Swiss ace is looking to surpass Pete Sampras’ record of 14 major titles by landing a sixth success at the All England Club. His chances increased dramatically after defending champion and world No1 Rafael Nadal [...]
Marston’s and GKN are next to raise cash June 18, 2009 THE WAVE of companies seeking to raise fresh capital from shareholders showed no sign of abating yesterday as engineer GKN and pub group Marston’s both announced rights issues. GKN aims to raise £423m, while Marston’s is asking the market for £176m. GKN’s 50p offer price represents a 39 per cent discount to Wednesday’s closing price. [...]
British Land in Broadgate stake talks June 18, 2009 BRITISH Land, the UK’s second largest property company, is in talks with Israel’s Property and Building over selling a £100m stake in the City’s iconic Broadgate office complex, City A.M. can confirm. A British Land spokesman said last night: “The company declines to give further details about any of the parties but confirms that discussions [...]