Goldman Sachs taps Mazars for European audit in blow for Big Four May 20, 2019 Goldman Sachs has appointed Mazars to audit its London-based European operations, making it the first large bank in the UK to shun the Big Four. Read more: Big Four could force judicial review into proposed audit reforms The US investment bank has selected the Paris-headquartered auditor, which is the eighth-largest in the UK by fee [...]
Xiaomi posts sharp rise in revenue as it defies smartphone slowdown May 20, 2019 Chinese tech giant Xiaomi has bucked the downward trend in the smartphone market, posting a sharp rise in revenue for the first quarter. Read more: China's Xiaomi reveals 5G smartphone with sliding camera Revenue rose 27 per cent to ¥43.8bn (£5bn) in the three months to the end of March, while profit before tax rose [...]
Thomas Cook forced to reassure holidaymakers as shares plummet further May 20, 2019 Thomas Cook has been reassuring customers their holidays will be going ahead after shares in the struggling travel firm plunged lower today. Shares in Thomas Cook dropped as much as 17 per cent to less than 10p, having suffered a 40 per cent plummet on Friday. Read more: Payment firm to hold onto Thomas Cook's [...]
Co-op signs deal to supply own-brand sandwiches to Superdrug stores May 20, 2019 The Co-op has struck a deal with Superdrug to provide the health and beauty chain with sandwiches and snacks for its food-to-go range. During a trial period set to launch this summer, the supermarket chain will supply its own-brand sandwiches, salads and fruit to seven Superdrug branches at railway stations and airports. Read more: Co-op [...]
Google suspends parts of business with Huawei after US ban May 19, 2019 Google has reportedly suspended some parts of its business with Huawei in the latest blow for the troubled Chinese firm. Google will suspend any business requiring the transfer of hardware and software products, except those covered by open source licences, Reuters reported, citing a source close to the matter. Read more: China threatens to strike [...]
Sports Direct mulls legal challenge over Debenhams rescue plan May 19, 2019 Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct is looking to launch legal action against Debenhams over a controversial rescue deal secured earlier this month. The sportswear group is set to challenge two company voluntary arrangements (CVA) that could lead to the closure of 50 the chain’s 166 stores, with rent cuts expected on dozens more. Read more: Local [...]
S4 Capital boss Sir Martin Sorrell faces investor revolt over bumper pay packet May 19, 2019 Advertising veteran Sir Martin Sorrell could be faced with a shareholder revolt amid a backlash at his proposed pay packet at new firm S4 Capital. Shareholder advisory groups Glass Lewis and ISS have both issued notes urging investors to vote down the company’s long-term bonus scheme. Read more: S4 Capital continues to grow profits as [...]
Netflix signs Pinewood Studios deal as it ramps up investment in British shows May 19, 2019 Netflix has reportedly signed a deal to lease a third of the space at Pinewood Studios as it looks to ramp up its investment in British TV shows. The US streaming giant is set to take roughly 150,000 square feet of space at the famous film studios in Buckinghamshire, the Sunday Telegraph reported, citing sources. [...]
M&S braced for fresh decline in profits as store closures continue May 19, 2019 Marks & Spencer is set to report a sharp decline in profits for the full year as it looks to beef up its online offering amid a raft of store closures. The high street stalwart is expected to post pre-tax profits of roughly £520m in its full-year results of Wednesday, a fall of 10 per cent on [...]
Ocado set to cut 400 jobs as it looks to rebuild Andover warehouse after fire May 17, 2019 Ocado has said it will slash as many as 400 jobs after a huge fire destroyed its distribution centre in Andover. The delivery firm’s flagship automated warehouse in Hampshire was razed to the ground in February after a three-day inferno. Read more: Waitrose outlines £1bn online shopping plan Ocado initially tried to find a suitable [...]