BEST OF THE BROKERS September 6, 2010 HOME RETAIL GROUP Seymour Pierce has upgraded the owner of Argos to a “hold” ahead of its trading update on Thursday. The firm has lost 29.5 per cent of its value in a year, and the current share price of 221p is near fair value, it believes. The broker notes that the retailer’s strong balance [...]
THE TIPSTER September 6, 2010 NOW that the search is on for a replacement for John Bond, chairman of Vodafone, investors might start to see the stock as more attractive. One possible replacement is Roger Carr. His vast experience and enviable CV, including having aided the sale of Cadbury to Kraft, could mark a refreshing shake up for the telecommunications [...]
Woods waiting on Pavin’s wildcard call September 6, 2010 TIGER WOODS is expected to get the nod to play in the US Ryder Cup team today. The world No1 missed out on the eight automatic qualifying places but is hoping to be named as one of captain Corey Pavin’s four wildcard picks for Celtic Manor next month. Just last month, Woods questioned his place [...]
Brazilian trio takes Burger King for $4bn September 2, 2010 A LITTLE-KNOWN private equity firm stunned Wall Street by taking over troubled fast food chain Burger King in a $4bn (£2.6bn) deal yesterday. Analysts began talking about a potential wave of takeovers in the restaurant sector after 3G Capital, a New York-based vehicle run by three Brazilian billionaires, agreed a $24-per-share offer with the company’s [...]
HSBC warns over UK banking exodus September 2, 2010 A LITTLE-KNOWN private equity firm stunned Wall Street by taking over troubled fast food chain Burger King in a $4bn (£2.6bn) deal yesterday. Analysts began talking about a potential wave of takeovers in the restaurant sector after 3G Capital, a New York-based vehicle run by three Brazilian billionaires, agreed a $24-per-share offer with the company’s [...]
CITY MOVES | WHO’S SWITCHING JOBS September 2, 2010 Signia Wealth The wealth manager has hired Mark Elliott as managing director. Elliott is joining the family-run firm from Barclays Wealth, where he established the financial institutions group and professional practices business in 2007. Before this he worked for private bank Coutts as group head for the executive team and as group head for the [...]
Pack a tax plan if you want a retirement on the beach September 2, 2010 IF YOU are tempted to spend your golden years in the sun and escape overcrowded, polluted London, you are not alone. Emigration from the UK reached a record high in 2008 and that was before the introduction of a 50 per cent higher tax rate and the impending austerity measures. But planning is essential if [...]
WHAT THE OTHER PAPERS SAY THIS MORNING September 1, 2010 FINANCIAL TIMES MEAT PRICE SURGE FUELS FEARS OF FOOD INFLATION Global meat prices have hit a 20-year high as robust demand from emerging countries has coincided with a drop in production by exporters such as the US and Australia, fuelling concerns about rising food inflation. The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation’s index of meat prices [...]
MARKETING CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR | September 1, 2010 MORE than ever, in this competitive world, it’s all about brand-building at the moment. Our shortlist have all carved out a niche for themselves in the past 12 months, whether it was negotiating a name-change, capitalising on a long history or launching products that will define the future. These firms know how to sell, sell, [...]
CITY MOVES | WHO’S SWITCHING JOBS September 1, 2010 Baker & McKenzie The London office of Baker & McKenzie has expanded its financial services and regulatory practice with the hire of partner Ian Mason, who started at the firm yesterday. Mason, who joins from Barlow Lyde & Gilbert, previously worked in the FSA’s enforcement division as head of the wholesale group. He joins a [...]