Unilever boosts FTSE 100 as it edges towards 6,200 January 23, 2013 The leading share index edged up towards the 6,200 level this morning, led by consumer goods group Unilever. The stock was the strongest riser on the FTSE 100 this morning, on the back of a buoyant trading statement. Turnover jumped 10.5 per cent in 2012, boosted by growth in emerging markets. Martin Deboo at Investec [...]
The best estate car on the market January 22, 2013 Driving a rear-wheel drive car in the snow and ice is the only time any self-respecting petrol-head might wish for front-wheel drive. It’s also when the traction control warning light is at its most comforting. So it was for us, skating our way out of a snowed-in car park on the M2 services, running and [...]
Minority partner looks to block sale of Canadian diamond mine January 17, 2013 HARRY Winston Diamond’s plan to buy BHP Billiton’s Ekati diamond operations in Northern Canada hit a snag yesterday, with a minority partner filing a lawsuit to try to block the deal. C Fipke Holdings, which has a right of first refusal on the sale, is alleging that BHP Billiton failed to comply with their joint [...]
Cuadrilla mulls future investor growth plans January 13, 2013 CUADRILLA Resources, the Staffordshire based shale gas explorer, is in talks with potential investors over taking a potential stake in the business amid growing investment interest in the UK shale gas sector. The company, currently the sole driller for shale gas in the UK using hydraulic fracturing or fracking, is understood to be holding talks [...]
Banks keep FTSE 100 above 6,100 level January 11, 2013 The blue chip index nudged up in early trading this morning – staying above the 6,100 level – as it consolidated overnight gains from the US, where the S&P 500 hit a five-year high. Financial stocks were bouncing about at the top of the FTSE 100 in early deals, with Barclays and RBS adding 1.8 [...]
First Quantum takes Inmet bid to shareholders January 9, 2013 CANADIAN mining giant First Quantum Minerals has taken its bid for fellow miner Inmet hostile, as it yesterday sent takeover documents for its C$5.1bn (£3.2bn) offer directly to Inmet shareholders. Vancouver-based First Quantum, which has assets in Africa, Australia, South America and Europe, last month sweetened its offer for Canadian miner Inmet, offering C$72 in [...]
The XFR is a truly astonishing beast January 8, 2013 WHEN Jaguar Cars came up with the inspired tagline “Grace, space and pace” in the 1960s, they set up their stall as a brand that considered overt displays of power somewhat vulgar. Even this XFR model, despite its capacity to boost you up to speeds that will make your hair stand on end, looks more [...]
A Fiat engine – but still an Alfa January 1, 2013 ALFA ROMEO is a brand based in sports cars and motor racing heritage. Its Mito has always been a looker since its introduction in 2008 and the new model is no exception. Its styling was inspired by the design of the 8C Competizione supercar, and it still looks fresh and uniquely characterful in a sporty, [...]
What the other papers say this Morning December 12, 2012 FINANCIAL TIMES Steel chief Mittal upbeat on US growth US manufacturing is poised to reap the benefits of cheaper energy, propelling the world’s largest economy into a new growth phase, says Lakshmi Mittal, chairman and chief executive of ArcelorMittal. Brussels backs Hutchison Orange deal Europe’s top competition authority approved the acquisition of France Telecom’s Orange [...]
BHP Billiton exits Browse for $1.6bn December 11, 2012 BHP Billiton said last night it is selling its interest in the troubled Browse liquefied natural gas project to an arm of PetroChina for $1.63bn (£992m). The London-listed miner is the second joint venture partner to exit the $30bn project after Chevron’s disposal in August increased the stake held by Shell. Browse has faced opposition [...]