Thomas Cook and Co-op in holiday business merger October 8, 2010 Thomas Cook Group and The Co-operative Group have agreed a merger of their high street travel and foreign exchange businesses. The deal will create the UK’s biggest high street travel operation with 1,200 shops. It is estimated that the pair can save a total of £35m in costs through the agreement. Under the merger, Thomas [...]
Co-operative profit jumps after merger March 30, 2011 CO-OPERATIVE Financial Services saw pre-tax profit rise 5.5 per cent last year to £53.3m, with the bank attributing a steep drop in costs to synergies after its 2009 merger with Britannia. But earnings were dented by a sharp rise in claims due to weather-related chaos early last year, with the bank estimating a claims cost [...]
The Co-op boss who is on a mission to rejuvenate an iconic organisation September 19, 2010 IT IS EASY to see why Co-operative Group chief executive Peter Marks is so excited about the new £180m head office that will open on a 20-acre site in the centre of Manchester in 2012. The current 1960s 13-storey building across the road seems to be made almost entirely of linoleum and plywood. I have [...]
Morrisons is leading race for Iceland May 22, 2011 SUPERMARKET chain Morrisons is being touted as the frontrunner in the race to buy into rival Iceland, after majority owner Landsbanki officially launched a sales process for its holding in the company. The Resolution Committee for Landsbanki said last week that according to advisers UBS and Bank of America Merrill Lynch, “market conditions are currently [...]
BARCLAYS MAKES HAY AS THE PLOT THICKENS May 30, 2011 THE PLOT thickens at the Hay Festival, with news that Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall will be making an appearance today at the famous literary event. But Camilla isn’t the only surprise addition to the programme at the Hay-on-Wye books festival. Next Saturday, Wikileaks founder Julian Assange will make a rare public appearance when he gives [...]
BARCLAYS MAKES HAY AS THE PLOT THICKENS May 30, 2011 THE PLOT thickens at the Hay Festival, with news that Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall will be making an appearance today at the famous literary event. But Camilla isn’t the only surprise addition to the programme at the Hay-on-Wye books festival. Next Saturday, Wikileaks founder Julian Assange will make a rare public appearance when he gives [...]
Co-op hits out at Cameron’s austerity talk August 26, 2010 THE Co-operative Group blasted the government for damaging consumer confidence with talk of an “age of austerity” yesterday, despite revealing an 18 per cent rise in profits. Britain’s largest mutual retailer said it had beaten tough conditions to grow in the first half of the year but predicted a gloomy trading environment until at least [...]
Co-op hits out at Cameron’s austerity talk August 26, 2010 THE Co-operative Group blasted the government for damaging consumer confidence with talk of an “age of austerity” yesterday, despite revealing an 18 per cent rise in profits. Britain’s largest mutual retailer said it had beaten tough conditions to grow in the first half of the year but predicted a gloomy trading environment until at least [...]
Co-op launches apprentice plan July 19, 2010 THE Co-operative Group yesterday launched a £21m apprenticeship scheme. Under the plans 2,000 new apprenticeships for people aged under 25 will be set up. The apprentices will be given work experience at one of the group’s companies – which include banks and supermarkets – as well as the opportunity to gain a nationally-recognised qualification. The [...]
Co-op launches apprentice plan July 19, 2010 THE Co-operative Group yesterday launched a £21m apprenticeship scheme. Under the plans 2,000 new apprenticeships for people aged under 25 will be set up. The apprentices will be given work experience at one of the group’s companies – which include banks and supermarkets – as well as the opportunity to gain a nationally-recognised qualification. The [...]