Mattel profits fall on cost of HIT acquisition April 16, 2012 MATTEL yesterday reported weaker-than-expected quarterly results as the world’s largest toymaker struggled to convince shoppers to buy Barbie dolls at higher prices and retailers cut back on inventory. Mattel shares, which have gained more than 22 per cent since the beginning of this year, fell as much as 10 per cent yesterday to $30.59, their [...]
Georgian state railway builds up steam ahead of London IPO April 16, 2012 GEORGIA yesterday announced plans to sell up to 25 per cent of shares in the state railway monopoly through a float on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) that could raise as much as $200m (£126m). Free to set its own tariffs, the railway boasts one of the largest profit margins in the global rail industry [...]
Samsung announces launch of new Galaxy smartphone model April 16, 2012 SAMSUNG Electronics said yesterday it would unveil the third generation of its flagship smartphone Galaxy S in London on 3 May, banking on a heavy marketing campaign in the lead up to this summer’s Olympics. Samsung became the world’s top smartphone maker last year on the back of strong sales of its Galaxy lineup. More [...]
COTY STILL KEEN ON THE AVON LADY April 16, 2012 BEAUTY product company Coty, whose $10bn bid for larger rival Avon Products was rejected earlier this month, yesterday reaffirmed its original cash offer of $23.25 per share for its larger rival. Coty said it remained interested in discussing its proposal with Avon, which named Johnson & Johnson senior executive Sherilyn McCoy as its new CEO [...]
LG reveals tie-up with Perform April 16, 2012 LG Electronics said yesterday it has agreed a partnership deal with sports media company Perform that will mean it can deliver live and on-demand sports content to its Smart TV users. Perform, the UK-based firm that runs livesport.tv, a network of online sports channels, said LG customers would be able to connect to the service [...]
Tube support staff vote to strike April 16, 2012 The RMT union said maintenance staff working for Tube Lines have voted four to one in favour of strike action in a dispute over pay, benefits and pensions parity with other Transport for London staff. RMT is now considering its next course of action.
Telford to beat market forecasts April 16, 2012 Telford Homes said pre-tax profit in the year to 31 March is expected to be ahead of market expectations after strong sales in the second half. The east London residential developer said it remains upbeat in its outlook with profits expected to rise significantly this year, helped by pre-sales already secured in the past 12 [...]
Poundstretcher to open in Dubai April 16, 2012 Poundstretcher is to launch its first store outside of the UK in Dubai as the value retailer embarks on an ambitious expansion strategy. The store, which will open next month is reported to be the first of a number of stores planned for the Middle East.
Former Spurs player sets up financial firm April 16, 2012 HE made his name in Britain as a central defender for Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the 1990s. Now, however, Ramon Vega is operating in one of the few other industries where you have a chance to pick up Premier League wages. He set up Vega Swiss Asset Management in Park Lane after a [...]
Welcome, ian hannam.com April 16, 2012 IAN Hannam, one of the City’s most prolific deal-makers, has just created his own website as he prepares to fight the Financial Services Authority over its decision to fine him for a market abuse charge. The site has been developed by Hannam’s public relations advisers at Maitland, who think it will be an important plank [...]
