Virgin Active to bulk up in size in Asia and Africa June 22, 2015 Virgin Active, one of the world’s largest gym chains, said yesterday it will step up growth in Asia and Africa, and embark on a complete overhaul of its online platform this year following, its acquisition by South African billionaire Christo Wiese. The fitness group was on course for a listing on the Johannesburg stock market [...]
New strategy in play for eDreams Odigeo June 22, 2015 THE BOSS of eDreams Odigeo laid out a new six-point growth strategy for the Spanish travel company as it seeks to draw a line under last year’s ticketing woes that caused shares to tank on its market debut. eDreams, which is the world’s largest online travel company, made its debut on the Madrid stock market [...]
Empiric buys in Liverpool and Stoke-on-Trent June 22, 2015 EMPIRIC Student Property said yesterday it has bought the freeholds of a portfolio of seven properties in Liverpool and Stoke-on-Trent for £22.8m as the company continues its buying spree. The listed student accommodation provider said the portfolio, which comprises of 502 beds, have been acquired from Urban Sleep, which will continue to manage the operation [...]
Wolseley gives PwC the flush June 22, 2015 THE WORLD’S largest plumbing supplies group Wolseley yesterday said it was changing auditors and hiring Deloitte to carry out its statutory audits, instead of rival PwC. PwC has been the FTSE 100 company’s auditor since before it was listed in 1961 and the change, which is subject to approval by shareholders at the 2015 AGM, [...]
CVC leads effort to buy stake in pharma Alvogen June 22, 2015 A CONSORTIUM of investors led by CVC Capital Partners, and including Singapore-based sovereign wealth fund Temasek and Vatera Healthcare Partners, yesterday acquired a controlling stake in Alvogen, the US pharmaceutical company. The bilateral deal values the privately held company at $2bn (£1.3bn), including debt. The shares come from Pamplona Capital Management’s stake, and the investment [...]
SABMiller turns its sights to Latin America for future sales growth June 22, 2015 BREWING giant SABMiller is aiming to boost sales in Latin America through stronger marketing, the company said yesterday. The brewer of Fosters and Peroni aims to make beer the drink that is suitable for more occasions in Latin America. It expects three to six per cent growth in sales volumes over the next three to [...]
M restaurants to serve up second site June 22, 2015 M restaurants is to open a second venue half a year ahead of schedule, the firm said yesterday, after a strong first six months. In the first three months of 2015 the M Threadneedle Street venue enjoyed results 24.8 per cent above its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization budget.
Small business confidence is up as firms plan to grow investment June 22, 2015 CONFIDENCE among small businesses grew markedly in the second quarter of 2015, according to research from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). The latest FSB small business index (SBI) reveals that firms are in a robust mood, with growth and investment intentions reaching new highs since the index began in 2010. The research shows that [...]
Burberry snap-happy at paparazzi shoot June 22, 2015 Burberry today launches a striking new ad campaign for its autumn/winter collection. The campaign features candid, paparazzi-style images of a host of British actors, musicians and models, including Ranald McDonald and Amber Anderson (pictured above).
Aussie cricket team welcomed ahead of Ashes June 22, 2015 Australian diplomats had their best sporting powerhouses on show last night, as the Australian cricket team met the media and introduced their players for the upcoming Ashes tour – just over two weeks away. The Australian team, known to some as “Dad’s Army” for their higher than average age range, are firm favourites for an [...]
