Breadmakers Hovis and Kingsmill in merger talks Business The owners of two of Britain’s biggest bread producers – Hovis and Kingsmill – are reportedly in discussions regarding a merger between the two firms as challenges deepen for the market. Associated British Foods (ABF), the owner of Kingsmill’s parent company Allied Bakeries, and investment firm Endless, which owns Hovis, are in talks about a [...]
Primark earnings jump despite weather hit Retail Budget retailer Primark has seen annual earnings jump by more than 50 per cent in spite of an early summer weather hit to sales. Owner Associated British Foods reported a 53 per cent rise in operating profits at Primark, to £1.1 billion over the year to September 14 as groupwide like-for-like sales lifted 1.2 per [...]
Tea brand Twinings brews profit to nearly £100m Retail British tea brand Twinings brewed up a profit of almost £100m during its latest financial year, it has been revealed.
Rolls Royce, Antofagasta, Natwest: these top FTSE 100 stocks have returned over 30 per cent this year April 27, 2024 The FTSE 100 does still offer something to get excited about despite a ballooning number of companies leaving the London Stock Exchange.
Primark owner ABF raises dividend as markets ‘return to normality’ April 23, 2024 Primark owner Associated British Food (ABF) has raised its dividend following a strong set of results in the 24 weeks to 2 March.
Danone UK boss urges government to raise fat, sugar and salt taxes June 11, 2023 The UK boss of a major food firm has called on ministers to link VAT rates to the “health credentials” of products containing fat, salt and sugar, in the first example of such a demand coming from business rather than government. James Mayer, president of Danone UK & Ireland, which sells the Actimel yoghurt drink [...]
FTSE 100 close: Markets close lower as housebuilders weigh on index June 7, 2023 Strong morning bumps for Primark-owner Associated British Foods and BT were offset by a slump for housebuilders today as the FTSE 100 closed marginally lower. A slump in trading for housebuilders kept movement on London’s flagship index subdued, with the index closing lower. Housebuilders were down after figures from Halifax showed a first annual fall [...]
Primark owner buys up milk records-keeper in near-£50m deal June 6, 2023 Primark-owner ABF has bought National Milk Records, a key part of the milk industry, as it strengthens its agri-food business
FTSE 100 close: Persimmon and Standard Chartered peg losses on London index April 26, 2023 London’s FTSE 100 skidded lower today despite a decent batch of results pumping up banks and house builders. The capital’s premier index lost 0.49 per cent to close at 7,852.63 points, while the domestically-focused mid-cap FTSE 250 index, which is more aligned with the health of the UK economy, edged 0.04 per cent lower to [...]
FTSE 100 close: London ends down ahead of Google and Microsoft results as Primark owner slumps April 25, 2023 London’s FTSE 100 was dragged lower today as investors fretted over the state of a batch of big tech results on Wall Street rolling in over the coming days. The capital’s premier index shed 0.27 per cent to drop to 7,891.13 points, while the domestically-focus mid-cap FTSE 250 index, which is more aligned with the [...]