Finance M&A to jump October 20, 2009 The European financial services market is set for a wave of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity, according to Pricewaterhouse-Coopers. In its European Financial Markets M&A Insights report, the accountancy firm said that the “steady as she goes” ethos that has been prevalent throughout 2009 will give way to a “restructuring-led wave of deal activity” as [...]
Gap is widening between best and worst brands October 20, 2009 THINGS have picked up on the high street over the last month, but it’s not a case of a rising tide lifting all boats: the recession seems to have made the customer more discerning. Of the 25 high street retailers which BrandIndex measures daily, we’ve taken three of our top-ranked, and compared them with three [...]
Greggs outlines store expansion plans as baguette sales increase October 20, 2009 Baker Greggs yesterday detailed plans to open 600 more stores, create 6,000 jobs, and upgrade its supply chain at a cost of up to £300m as it posted a rise in third-quarter sales. The firm, which sells sausage rolls, cakes and bread to over 6m customers a week from about 1,400 outlets, said it intended [...]
SPORT IN BRIEF October 20, 2009 Leics close in on Hoggard CRICKET: Former England seamer Matthew Hoggard has been offered a three-year deal with Leicestershire after being released by Yorkshire last month.Hoggard, 32, held talks Leicestershire coach Tim Boon and chief executive David Smith on Monday, but is also weighing up interest from Kent. Smith, however, said: “We are in the [...]
PHIL’S ABSENCE A PAIN IN THE NECK October 20, 2009 WASPS prop Phil Vickery has added to England’s list of casualties after becoming the latest player to be ruled out of the autumn internationals with injury. The former captain, 33, requires neck surgery and will be out for at least three months. The news comes just 24 hours after England lost fellow forward Andrew Sheridan [...]
Sven rejects Sweden role October 20, 2009 SVEN-GORAN Eriksson has turned his back on the chance to coach the Sweden national team in order to stay with League Two Notts County. Eriksson headed a five-man list of suitors for the job vacated by Lars Lagerback last week. But the 61-year-old has decided he wants to carry on in his role as director [...]
Ferguson expects United to thrive on plastic pitch October 20, 2009 MANCHESTER UNITED boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists he is not worried about playing CSKA Moscow tonight on an artificial surface. United are looking to maintain a perfect start to their Champions League campaign in the Russian capital, where they won the trophy against Chelsea in 2008. That match was played on grass but this evening’s [...]
Captain’s blast was just what we needed, admits Ballack October 20, 2009 MICHAEL BALLACK has revealed how Chelsea’s players held a training ground inquest into the defensive frailties which have threatened to derail their season. The Blues conceded two routine goals from corners in their 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa on Saturday, prompting an angry reaction from captain John Terry. Furious Terry ordered the team enquiry ahead [...]
Button: Cash not the issue October 20, 2009 TRIUMPHANT Jenson Button will make an emotional return to Brawn GP’s Northamptonshire factory today to personally thank staff for making him a world champion. The British driver, who clinched the title in Brazil on Sunday, will visit his team’s headquarters in Brackley having landed back on home soil yesterday. Button saw many of his colleagues [...]
Gunners denied by late strike October 20, 2009 AZ ALKMAAR (1) vs ARSENAL (1) ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger voiced his frustration after seeing his side’s perfect start to their European campaign ruined in the 93rd minute. A first-half goal from captain Cesc Fabregas looked set to earn the Gunners a third straight win in Champions League Group H, and an eighth in a [...]
