Co-op hits out at Cameron’s austerity talk August 26, 2010 THE Co-operative Group blasted the government for damaging consumer confidence with talk of an “age of austerity” yesterday, despite revealing an 18 per cent rise in profits. Britain’s largest mutual retailer said it had beaten tough conditions to grow in the first half of the year but predicted a gloomy trading environment until at least [...]
F&C left reeling by fresh cash outflows August 26, 2010 SHAREHOLDERS in F&C Asset Management are watching for a move by activist investor Edward Bramson after the company released a nightmarish set of interim results. Shares in F&C tumbled six per cent to 58p yesterday after the fund manager cut its dividend in half to 1p in an effort to eliminate its net debt by [...]
Earthquake, rig explosion and windstorm curb Chaucer profits August 26, 2010 THE Chilean earthquake, Deepwater Horizon oil rig disaster and European windstorm Xynthia conspired to cut interim profits at Chaucer Holdings by 59 per cent to £7m. Shares in the Lloyd’s of London insurer fell 2.2 per cent to 45p yesterday as it said “an unprecedented level of catastrophes” and a slump in investment performance meant [...]
Diageo offers bleak outlook August 26, 2010 DIAGEO, the world’s biggest spirits group, expects slightly higher profits growth this year driven by developing markets but a cautious outlook hit its shares after meeting forecasts for annual earnings. The London-based maker of Smirnoff vodka, Johnnie Walker whisky and Guinness beer saw strong growth in Latin America, Africa and Asia, which account for a [...]
US and Europe shun premium brands August 26, 2010 RECEIVED wisdom tells us that hard-pressed customers hit the bottle in times of economic woe. If they’re doing that this time round, they aren’t reaching for Smirnoff Vodka or Johnnie Walker whisky. Save for a 13 per cent rise in net sales at the international division, which accounts for Africa, South America and the Middle [...]
Strauss falls as England denied by rain August 26, 2010 ENGLAND only faced 12.3 overs on a rain-hit first day of the fourth Test, but that was still enough time for Pakistan to dismiss captain Andrew Strauss. The skipper (right) has endured a modest series with the bat and that lacklustre sequence continued yesterday when he was bowled by Mohammad Asif for 13 at Lord’s. [...]
Kuyt rejects Inter talk as Reds qualify August 26, 2010 TRABZONSPOR (1) V/S LIVERPOOL (2) LIVERPOOL forward Dirk Kuyt pledged his future to the club after his goal helped them to a comeback win and a place in the Europa League group stage. The Reds, missing star trio Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano, looked in for a difficult night when Teofilo Gutierrez scored [...]
Chiefs tighten up blood injury rules August 26, 2010 TOP-FLIGHT chiefs are convinced there will be no a repeat of the Bloodgate scandal that shamed the sport after tightening up regulations for the new season. Aviva Premiership rules set to come into effect mean doctors from the opposing team will have the right to demand a look at any blood injury they suspect to [...]
SPORT | IN BRIEF August 26, 2010 Molinari books Ryder Cup spot GOLF: Italy’s Francesco Molinari has secured his place in Europe’s Ryder Cup team after Ross McGowan pulled out of the Johnnie Walker Championship through injury. McGowan’s pinched nerve means he no longer has any chance of overtaking Molinari in the top nine ranking places this weekend at Gleneagles. England’s Simon [...]
VILLA MAKE RAPID EXIT August 26, 2010 ASTON VILLA crashed out of Europe last night with a 3-2 defeat at home to Rapid Vienna. Stephen Ireland (above) set up Gabriel Agbonlahor to put Villa ahead in the play-off second leg and, following an equaliser and Stiliyan Petrov’s missed penalty, Emile Heskey restored their lead. But late goals from Mario Sonnleitner and Rene [...]
