Approval nears for £15bn Vodafone and Three merger November 5, 2024 A range of investments have been proposed by the competition watchdog which, if accepted, would lead to the £15bn merger between Vodafone and Three being finally completed. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has suggested upgrading the merged company’s network across the UK, including the roll-out of 5G, as well as short-term customer protections. The [...]
Higher prices warning issued over Wincanton takeover as GXO handed ultimatum November 1, 2024 The £762m takeover of Wincanton by GXO could lead to higher prices for business customers in the UK, according to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The watchdog has issued its initial findings on the deal which saw the Wiltshire-based business taken over by logistics giant GXO and delist from the London Stock Exchange earlier [...]
Competition intensifies in Saudi’s surging insurance industry October 29, 2024 In recent years, Saudi Arabia has been building an insurance industry from scratch. In the process, the country has generated home-grown companies and attracted international giants such as Bupa to help cater to rising demand. So far, the expansion of insurance in the Kingdom has been dizzying. According to Saudi Arabia’s central bank (SAMA), in [...]
Santander UK profit slides as analysts forecast £1.8bn motor finance hit October 29, 2024 Santander has revealed a sharp fall in its UK profit during the third quarter, while delaying the publication of more detailed figures as it digests a landmark motor finance court ruling in London.
CMA launches legal action against Emma Group October 25, 2024 The UK's competition watchdog has launched legal proceedings against mattress seller Emma Group after finding "harmful online selling practices".
Thames Water launches £3bn emergency fundraising drive October 25, 2024 Thames Water has launched a £3bn fundraising drive to help pay off some of the struggling utility’s large debt pile. The water company has just £500m in cash, and hopes the new money will extend its ability to function for at least another year. Thames Water said today that the money will allow the firm [...]
CMA launches merger inquiry into Alphabet and Anthropic partnership October 24, 2024 Britain's competition watchdog has opened a merger inquiry into Alphabet's partnership with artificial intelligence (AI) safety start-up Anthropic.
Barratt Redrow: Builder outlines growth plans after merger October 23, 2024 Barratt Redrow outlined its growth plans today in its first trading update as a combined group. Created by the merger of homebuilders Barrett and Redrow, the combined group has laid out plans to build 22,000 homes a year in the medium term. That would make it one of the UK’s largest house builders. In its [...]
Sabre Insurance: Motor insurance claims inflation continues to hit growth October 22, 2024 Motor insurer Sabre Insurance said it expects annual gross written premium growth to moderate slightly as claims inflation remains elevated.
A Budget for tax simplification would make Britain a better place for business October 21, 2024 There’s more to competitiveness than headline rates, Rachel Reeves should use the Autumn Budget to make taxes simpler and rules easier to comply with, says Colin Graham Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been clear that the current state of government finances will only improve with economic growth. For this to work, there will need to be [...]