Easyjet proves too tempting a bargain for gatecrasher Apollo July 10, 2026 Apollo has gatecrashed Castelake’s cut-price Easyjet bid – setting up a potential buyout behemoth battle for the skies, writes Ali Lyon, Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the colourful force behind London’s Easyjet, founded his low-cost carrier on a simple philosophy: promise travellers cheaper fares, and open up budget air travel for millions of customers who for decades had [...]
FCA charges City lawyer with insider dealing over maternity brand acquisition July 8, 2026 The financial watchdog has charged a City lawyer with five counts of alleged insider dealing for trading in the assets of maternity fashion brand Seraphine Group using confidential information he gained while working on the company’s acquisition. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said Richard Bloomfield, 38, worked on an acquisition of the City-based maternity clothing company [...]
Public markets, not the state, can fix the water sector June 30, 2026 Andy Burnham will likely put renationalising utilities back on the table, but that’s not the way to turn on the investment taps, says Rupert Hargreaves The arrival of Andy Burnham in Westminster has once again reignited the debate around the future of the UK’s key infrastructure. The Guardian has reported that Burnham’s allies have talked [...]
I’ve lived the American Dream but as the country turns 250 I’m watching it die June 30, 2026 The American Dream is being snatched away by regressive economic policies and predatory capitalist practices that prioritise the interests of the ultra-wealthy over the well-being of the median American, says Lewis Liu I am the quintessential product of the American Dream. My first memory is of meeting my father at three and a half. I [...]
Ares Management flagship private credit fund slammed with withdrawal requests June 25, 2026 Ares Management was plagued by investors attempting to pull out over $1.5bn from one its flagship private credit funds in the second financial quarter, as wealthy individuals continue to flee the asset class. The firm’s Ares Strategic Income fund, which holds roughly $11bn (£8.3bn), said it has received redemption requests worth 14.4 per cent of [...]
Franco Manca and Real Greek owner slumps to £14m loss as boss quits June 24, 2026 The owner of Franco Manca and Real Greek slumped to a £14m loss shortly after it its boss quit in the wake of a swathe of restaurant closures. Private equity firm Fulham Shore was hit by a £14.2m loss before tax in the year to March 2025, Companies House filings have revealed, nearly triple its [...]
Easyjet investors call for £600m more from US bidder June 23, 2026 Easyjet investors have said they are holding out for at least £600m more from Castlelake, the US private equity firm whose bids have been brushed off by the budget airline. Shareholders in the FTSE 250 firm said that they would not consider a takeover offer unless the offer reached at least £7 per share, valuing [...]
Coca-Cola brings in restructuring lineup over failed Costa sale June 22, 2026 US beverage giant Coca-Cola has called in a team of restructuring experts to advise on the failed sale of high street drinks retailer Costa Coffee last year. Consultancy firms Alvarez & Marsal and Alix Partners, which both have prominent City presences, are reportedly advising the coffee chain after an attempt to sell it off was [...]
David Lloyd gyms limbers up for £4bn London float June 22, 2026 The owner of David Lloyd gyms is considering a £4bn London listing in what would be a major boost for the capital’s stock exchange. TDR Capital, which also owns Asda, is eyeing up the initial public offering (IPO) despite a dearth of high-profile listings in recent years, City AM understands. The private equity firm snapped [...]
Castlelake urges Easyjet investors to back £4.7bn takeover bid June 22, 2026 Private equity firm Castlelake is calling on investors in Easyjet to lobby the budget airline to accept its third takeover offer, after the FTSE 250 carrier slapped down its latest bid over the weekend. The bidder said on Monday that Easyjet has rejected three successive takeover bids and criticised the airline for its “unwillingness to [...]