Kingsmill-owner ABF confirms merger talks with Hovis May 6, 2025 Kingsmill-owner ABF has confirmed it is in talks to merge with Hovis in what would become Britain’s biggest bread maker. ABF said the talks had been prompted by a “very challenging” market for its products. Rising prices of wheat and lower demand for high-calorie goods like bread have made it tougher to make a profit [...]
Breadmakers Hovis and Kingsmill in merger talks May 3, 2025 The owners of two of Britain’s biggest bread producers – Hovis and Kingsmill – are reportedly in discussions regarding a merger between the two firms as challenges deepen for the market. Associated British Foods (ABF), the owner of Kingsmill’s parent company Allied Bakeries, and investment firm Endless, which owns Hovis, are in talks about a [...]
ABF weighs closing Yorkshire plant after accusing government of ‘undermining’ viability April 29, 2025 More than 100 jobs could be at risk after the owner of a Yorkshire bioethanol plant said it was considering shutting down the facility, blaming the move on the government “undermining” its viability. The Salt End, Kingston upon Hull-based plant, which is operated by Vivergo and employs around 150 staff, has swung to a loss [...]
What’s next for Primark after shock CEO resignation? March 31, 2025 The surprise resignation of Primark’s boss, Paul Marchant, due to poor social conduct has caused shockwaves across the retail industry. Marchant’s departure was promoted by an investigation by Primark’s owner ABF into the CEO’s behaviour towards a female individual, which Marchant called an ‘error of judgement’. Chief executive of ABF, George Weston, said he was [...]
Primark boss resigns after investigation into social conduct March 31, 2025 Primark boss Paul Marchant has resigned after an investigation into his behaviour by Primark’s parent company ABF. ABF’s share price fell nearly four per cent after the announcement. ABF Finance Director Eoin Tonge will act as Primark chief executive on an interim basis, while ABF Group Financial Controller Joana Edwards will act as interim ABF [...]
Bloomsbury: Fiction sales boost Harry Potter publisher March 20, 2025 Harry Potter publisher Bloomsbury said its sales last year were ahead of market expectations and driven by success in its consumer division. Analysts had expected the firm to report a revenue drop of two per cent to £333.4m, as well as a twenty per cent drop in profit before tax of £39.6m in the year ending February [...]
Labour MPs warned ‘perfect storm’ of retail costs could benefit Reform UK March 19, 2025 Labour MPs are being warned a “perfect storm” of costs facing the retail sector could see seats lost to Reform UK. New analysis from the Retail Jobs Alliance (RJA) has revealed Labour holds 24 of the UK’s 30 constituencies with the highest numbers of voters working in retail, according to an Electoral Calculus survey in [...]
Retail stocks: Luxury pulls ahead while fast-fashion brands Asos and Primark lag February 20, 2025 Luxury stocks have started to outperform high streets brands once again as investors bet on a luxury upswing. Brands which struggled last year – like Burberry and Kering – are bouncing back, while brick-and-mortar reliant firms like Primark are struggling. The ten largest luxury retailers by market cap have seen their stock price rise by [...]
Mad About The Boy: Bridget Jones review – perfectly timed with hun culture February 12, 2025 Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy review: the return of the UK’s favourite singleton couldn’t have hit the cultural zeitgeist better. In a new era of feminism, Bridget finally should be embraced by us all, whether we relate to her or not, says Adam Bloodworth ★★★★ Ah, Bridget Jones and her absolutely enormous panties! The [...]
City broker slashes price target for Primark-owner Associated British Foods January 24, 2025 Analysts at Panmure Liberum downgraded their rating for Primark-owner Associated British Foods from ‘Buy’ to ‘Hold’ after Primark underperformed over the festive quarter. Panmure downgraded its target price for ABF to 1900p from 2800p. Its share price currently sits at 1,892.50p after falling five per cent in the last five days. Associated British Foods reduced [...]