M&A activity still in slump March 22, 2012 NERVOUS companies have held off from buying up or merging with rivals so far this year, with global activity down by almost half on a year ago, according to Thomson Reuters’ latest figures. The market is particularly subdued in Europe, where the value of announced M&A deals has slumped to its lowest quarterly level by [...]
Glencore deal bonanza helps prop up a struggling market March 22, 2012 THE M&A MARKET might be moribund in 2012, but a handful of massive deals have helped prop up activity figures – and the rankings of several top banks. Glencore’s long-awaited advances on Xstrata in February added $48.9bn to Thomson Reuters’ M&A values for the first quarter of the year. And the army of banks working [...]
Adidas angst at Chambers Team GB role March 22, 2012 TEAM GB kit provider Adidas has revealed unease at the growing prospect of former drug cheat sprinter Dwain Chambers representing the nation at the London 2012 Olympics. Chambers (inset), who served a two-year ban for taking the steroid THG, is likely to be selected if, as expected, a landmark legal ruling quashes the British Olympic [...]
Terry set to return for Tottenham showdown March 22, 2012 CHELSEA have been handed a fillip following their first defeat in five games, with captain John Terry set to return to the side for tomorrow’s pivotal London derby against Tottenham. Terry missed Wednesday’s 2-1 loss at Manchester City with a calf problem but successfully came through a training session yesterday and looks poised to be [...]
Prior bins pads to cool down in warm-up March 22, 2012 ENGLAND wicketkeeper Matt Prior is considering playing without pads in the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka after a successful experiment in yesterday’s second tour match. Prior, who top-scored with a speedy 84 as the tourists successfully chased 359 to beat a Sri Lankan Development XI by four wickets yesterday, went bare-legged behind the stumps [...]
Team GB athletes divided over Stella McCartney-designed London 2012 kit March 22, 2012 THE Stella McCartney-designed Team GB kit for London 2012 has received mixed reviews from the men and women who are going to wear it this summer. Cyclist Bradley Wiggins declared himself unimpressed with the range, writing on Twitter: “Oh dear, the Olympic kit!!”. Hurdler Andy Turner was lukewarm, the Nike-sponsored athlete also taking issue with [...]
Muamba case may mean more checks March 22, 2012 ENGLISH football’s top doctor says players could be screened for heart irregularities more frequently following Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba’s on-field cardiac arrest. Dr Ian Beasley, the Football Association’s head of medical services, warned fresh funds would have to be raised if checks were to increase. But he suggested the government could pick up the tab, [...]
England hooker’s biting hearing set for Tuesday March 22, 2012 ENGLAND hooker Dylan Hartley’s anxious wait to discover whether he faces a lengthy ban over allegations of biting will draw closer to conclusion on Tuesday. That is when the Northampton front row will appear before an independent Six Nations disciplinary committee, who will decide whether to ban him for up to four years. Hartley was [...]
Exiles eye final flourish as season nears climax March 22, 2012 London Irish star Topsy Ojo wants five from five, starting against Leicester Q.WHAT HAPPENED LAST TIME YOU PLAYED LEICESTER IN THE AVIVA PREMIERSHIP? A. We drew 24-24, scoring a charge-down kick late in the game. I went off injured, so that wasn’t great. We started well, Leicester came back but we picked up a bit [...]
I’ll carry on sulking, says Hamilton, as McLaren target consecutive wins March 22, 2012 BRITAIN’S Lewis Hamilton insists he will not hide his disappointment if he fails to live up to his lofty expectations at this weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix. Hamilton cut a disgruntled figure on the podium in Australia last week after squandering pole position and finishing third, while team-mate Jenson Button won. “I was disappointed and I [...]
