Sudden exit for UK boss of G4S May 20, 2014 SCANDAL-STRUCK outsourcing firm G4S has lost its third UK boss in two years, with Eddie Aston leaving after just over six months in the role. The FTSE 100 company refused to say why Aston, who joined from Deutsche Post DHL last year, had departed. G4S has appointed Peter Neden, regional president of UK & Ireland, [...]
Shard named as best skyscraper on the planet May 20, 2014 THE SHARD has been given the seal of approval at one of the industry’s top awards ceremonies after being voted the world’s best skyscraper. The 306 metre-tall building, designed by Renzo Piano, yesterday scaled the heights of the annual Skyscraper Awards given by Hamburg-based building and construction data company Emporis. The Shard has divided opinion [...]
Energy price comparison site uSwitch sounds out float plans May 20, 2014 ENERGY price comparison website uSwitch is weighing up plans for a stock market float – just six months after it was injected with funds from its private equity backer LDC. The website, which allows consumers to compare prices on energy and electricity, is understood to be speaking with City figures about options for the business, [...]
Credit Suisse sees little business impact from US penalties May 20, 2014 CREDIT Suisse shrugged off Monday’s massive fine from US authorities yesterday, saying that charges of tax evasion had not affected the bank’s relationship with clients. “We’ve had a lot of consultations with clients in terms of different potential outcomes here, and I have to say all of the discussions with clients have actually been very [...]
War, what is it good for? Bull runs on stocks May 20, 2014 THE CHANCE of war this May is a signal to buy stocks, according to a note from Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Stocks have historically declined in the run-up to conflicts, but then “rally hard once war commences”. Michael Hartnett, chief investment strategist at BAML, points to World War II stock movements to make his [...]
Barracks plans get green light May 20, 2014 DEVELOPERS have been given the green light for the stage one redevelopment plans of Chelsea Barracks. Westminster Council unanimously passed Project Blue’s plans last night and praised the quality of the design. The successful submission comprises three eight-storey buildings with 74 luxury properties for private sale, designed by architects Squire and Partners. Work on the [...]
Sporting Index set to be sold May 20, 2014 SPREAD-BETTING operator Sporting Index is set to be sold later this year, according to Sky News. The timing of the deal is said to coordinate with the World Cup, which begins next month. Sporting Index, the world’s largest sports spread-betting firm, is owned by HG Capital, a London-based private equity firm that has appointed Dean [...]
Brand Index: Voters in the UK and Europe are in the mood for change May 20, 2014 THIS WEEK’S European elections are seen in the UK as testing the political waters ahead of next year’s general election and showcasing arguments for and against the European Union. But how do the opinions of British voters compare with those across the continent? To find out, we conducted focus groups and polling in Great Britain, [...]
Handy business tips from Terra Firma’s top Guy May 20, 2014 GUY HANDS gave his first speech in London for five years at the Institute of Directors yesterday, as part of Private Equity International’s Operating Partners Forum. In case you missed it, here are our four gems of wisdom – inspired by the financier’s latest musings. 1. Don’t bother changing your suits “Over the last five [...]
Bell Pottinger pulls the crowds at its annual summertime soiree May 20, 2014 HOT ON the heels of the Chelsea preview night, Bell Pottinger yesterday threw another City shindig, pulling Centrica’s Sam Laidlaw and hedge fund legend Sir Michael Hintze back onto the tiles for the second night in a row (although they both shot off early to catch up on beauty sleep). Communications coach to the great [...]
