JD Sports’ merger with Footasylum edges nearer after appeal November 13, 2020 The competition watchdog’s decision to block a merger between JD Sports and Footasylum has been overturned following an appeal. The Competition Appeals Tribunal said today that the Competition and Markets Authority had acted “irrationally” when it ruled in May that the tie-up would lead to a “substantially” lessening of competition nationally. The tribunal ruled that [...]
Government’s digital strategy cannot be a missed opportunity November 12, 2020 Why is there no British tech titan on the scale of Google, Apple or Amazon? This is a question that has exercised the minds of those in and outside of government for some time. Many have concluded that more needs to do done if the UK is ever going to create a $1 trillion home [...]
The government’s National Security and Investment Bill could close the door on Global Britain November 11, 2020 As the twin spectres of Brexit and Covid-19 continue to dominate the headlines, you could be forgiven for not having the government’s planned National Security and Investment Bill on your radar. But the Bill is set to radically overhaul the UK’s approach to foreign investment at a time of significant economic uncertainty. While its exact [...]
China cracks down on tech giants with anti-monopoly laws November 11, 2020 China has outlined proposals for tough new regulations on tech giants, ramping up the pressure on powerful ecommerce sites and payment platforms such as Alibaba. The country’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) said the rules were designed to curb monopoly power and block companies from carrying out anti-competitive practices. The new laws are likely [...]
Funeral firm Dignity posts rise in revenue amid Covid-19 crisis November 9, 2020 Funeral provider Dignity has posted higher revenue in the first nine months of the year following a sharp spike in deaths caused by the outbreak of coronavirus. The London-listed firm booked underlying revenue of £234.5m to 25 September, up four per cent on the same period last year. The figures reflected a higher number of [...]
US Election: Biden’s (almost certain) win: How it happened November 6, 2020 Live updates on the US Presidential Election 2020 as Donald Trump and Joe Biden go head to head. Rolling coverage as Americans vote.
Screenshot: Ant Group, Jack Ma and China’s power paradox November 6, 2020 A weekly column from City A.M. bringing you all the biggest stories and trends in technology, media and telecoms This week: **Media Moment of the Week: Margaret Thatcher takes to Twitter **Ant Group, Jack Ma and China’s power paradox **Three’s a crowd: Why a telecoms mast deal could spark more mergers Media Moment of the [...]
FCA outlines payment holiday proposals for struggling borrowers November 4, 2020 The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has outlined its proposals to bolster support for consumer credit borrowers struggling with the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier this week, the watchdog announced plans to extend payment holidays credit cards, car finance, personal loans and pawnbroking as England prepares to enter a fresh national lockdown tomorrow. Under [...]
Five trends to watch in China’s consumer sector November 3, 2020 As the world continues to try to contain the spread of Covid-19, China is among the few countries sustaining a return to normal activity. Restrictions on movement have been lifted and the government’s test and trace system has so far proven effective in containing new outbreaks. As a result, shops, restaurants and other services have [...]
Racing against time: The UK-US trade deal and the 2020 election November 2, 2020 WASHINGTON, D.C. – International trade secretary Liz Truss recently made it clear that the UK needed to close a US trade deal by mid-2021 if it was going to happen any time soon. In July, the US government’s Trade Promotion Authority -which allows trade deals to be passed through Congress without being amended – will [...]