Thomas Cook shares continue to fall, dragging FTSE firms down with it November 28, 2018 Package holiday provider Thomas Cook's share price has continued to fall for a second day, after having more than £175m wiped off its market value yesterday. The firm announced its third profit warning in five months, blaming the UK's long summer heatwave for a decline in Brits heading abroad. Shares in the FTSE 250 company declined by [...]
Restaurant Group shareholders approve £559m Wagamama takeover despite vote revolt November 28, 2018 Restaurant Group shareholders approved the planned the £559m takeover of Wagamama today, but 40 per cent of shareholder votes opposed the deal. The vote sent the Restaurant Group's share price down by almost 10 per cent. The Frankie and Benny's owner had been set for a shareholder showdown after a number of investors voiced their intentions to vote [...]
Proxy advisor recommends shareholders oppose Restaurant Group’s Wagamama takeover on the eve of the vote November 27, 2018 An influential shareholder group has recommended investors oppose the Restaurant Group’s £600m takeover of Asian fusion chain Wagamama on the eve of the vote. Pensions and Investment Research Consultants (Pirc) said the “risks and adverse implications for shareholders appear too great to overlook”. The proxy advisor's recommendation comes as investors prepare to cast their votes [...]
We planned a foodie road trip around Wales that you can complete in four days November 27, 2018 It took me 30 years to get to Wales. I never had an aversion to it, it was just easier to get on a plane than it was to learn how to drive. As a lifelong Londoner with no family to visit regularly beyond the M25, there was no immediate reason to learn, so I [...]
Investors show mixed appetite for Wagamama takeover as vote draws near November 25, 2018 A shareholder showdown looms over The Restaurant Group’s £559m planned takeover of Wagamama this week, with a number of major investors gearing up to oppose the deal. The Frankie and Benny’s owner could suffer a shareholder rebellion on Wednesday after several top investors signalled their intentions to vote against the proposed acquisition. Columbia Threadneedle Investments – [...]
Giggling Squid founder Andy Laurillard on provincial dining and the secrets of his chain’s success November 25, 2018 It’s a laugh a minute for Giggling Squid. The Surrey-based restaurant chain is cropping up in more and more affluent market towns and sleepy suburbs across the south of England, looking to entice customers with its unique offering of accessible Thai cuisine in a relaxed environment. Co-founders Andy Laurillard and his wife Pranee opened their [...]
Giggling Squid founder used ‘Range Rover count’ to choose locations for Thai restaurants November 25, 2018 The founder of Thai restaurant chain Giggling Squid counted the number of Range Rovers in suburban towns to decide whether they would be suitable locations for his restaurant. Andy Laurillard told City A.M. he counted how many Range Rovers passed a potential restaurant site during morning rush hour as part of his research into a town’s [...]
Schroders plans to support the Restaurant Group’s proposed £600m Wagamama deal November 23, 2018 Schroders, a top 10 shareholder in the Restaurant Group, has come out in support of the Frankie and Bennies owner’s acquisition of Wagamama. It comes as several major investors announced they would oppose the deal at a meeting next week, saying the £600m price tag is too steep. Schroders fund manager Andy Brough said: “The [...]
London Mayor Sadiq Khan announces junk food advertising ban on entire Transport for London network from early 2019 November 23, 2018 Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has today confirmed that junk food advertising will be banned across the entire Transport for London network from 25 February 2019. The groundbreaking ban will be implemented on all transport controlled by TfL, including the underground, overground, London buses, trams and river services, and will stop companies from advertising foods that are [...]
Shareholders yearn for retail chiefs like Swann November 22, 2018 It has been an annus horribilis for the high street. Closures, job cuts and profit warnings in the last 12 months have all thrown scrutiny on the industry – and its bosses – like never before. Which is why yesterday’s announced departure of SSP chief executive Kate Swann is all the more significant. Swann is [...]