Samsung sues over iPhone 5 in latest clash October 2, 2012 SAMSUNG yesterday said it had launched legal proceedings in the US over the iPhone 5, claiming Apple has used the Korean firm’s own technology. In the latest in a string of lawsuits around the globe between the two technology giants, Samsung claims the latest iPhone model infringes on patents regarding sending music and video files [...]
Former Lazard banker launches a chemicals M&A advisory firm October 2, 2012 ALASDAIR Nisbet, the former global co-head of Lazard’s chemical M&A division, has left the bank to set up a boutique M&A advisory business for the chemicals sector. Natrium Capital, which received formal approval from the Financial Services Authority yesterday, will focus on the chemical, materials, alternative energy and bio-technology sectors. Nisbet told City A.M.: “We’re [...]
Marwyn in talks with French wellies maker October 2, 2012 FRENCH outdoor clothing group Lafuma is in talks to sell Le Chameau, the luxury rubber boot maker favoured by the Royal family, to Marwyn Management Partners, the firms announced yesterday. Le Chameau, founded by a French engineer in 1927 after hearing farmers and fisherman complaining about water seeping through their shoes, rivals Hunter wellies in [...]
Saga is latest consumer brand to seek a legal services licence October 2, 2012 SAGA has become the latest consumer brand to apply to become an alternative business structure (ABS), as it seeks to extend the legal services it can offer its over-50s customers. On Monday Saga launched a range of legal services including will writing and conveyancing – offered at a set price rather than solicitors’ usual hourly [...]
Terra Firma-backed Garden Centre Group sees profit fall October 2, 2012 THE GARDEN Centre Group, the 129-store chain snapped up by Guy Hands’ private equity firm Terra Firma in April, yesterday posted a small dip in pre-tax profits despite growing year on year revenue by nearly ten per cent. The garden centre, which employs 5,000 people across the country, reported a pre-tax profit of £586,000 for [...]
Drinks firm in administration October 2, 2012 DRINKS wholesaler WaverleyTBS has called in administrators, putting 831 jobs into doubt. Waverley, which distributes alcoholic and soft drinks to customers including Merlin Entertainment and Cote Restaurants, has been hit by “tough trading conditions” in pubs and restaurants, according to its private-equity owner Manfield Partners. Deloitte, which has been appointed joint administrator, said it was [...]
URS picks new London leader October 2, 2012 URS Corporation, the American engineer consulting on London’s Crossrail project, yesterday appointed a new executive chairman of its London-based international business. Tom Bishop, who started his career as a nuclear submarine engineer in the US Navy, will take over from engineering stalwart Hugh Blackwood, who is retiring after more than 40 years in the industry. [...]
T-Mobile USA merger talks October 2, 2012 GERMAN mobile network giant Deutsche Telekom is in talks with US operator MetroPCS about merging with its T-Mobile USA unit, in a deal that would see the combined company compete with larger rivals. Deutsche Telekom, which joined up with France Telecom in the UK in 2010 to form Orange and T-Mobile parent company EE, said [...]
£20m Blur set for Aim listing October 2, 2012 Blur Group said yesterday it will start trading on Friday in an Aim float valuing the firm at £20.1m. Blur, which teams up businesses with technology advisory firms, said it had raised around £4m by placing 4.9m shares. The initial public offering is one of just a handful among tech firms in the UK this [...]
John Laing fund raises £60.4m October 2, 2012 John Laing Infrastructure Fund yesterday said it has successfully raised £60.4m through the placing of 28m shares. The group plans to use the proceeds to acquire two new projects and an additional stake in Forth Valley Royal Hospital from John Laing Group. Chairman Paul Lester said it had received strong demand “against the backdrop of [...]
