High class: where to go for the best views in town June 16, 2010 WITH roof-top bars and outside space in London hard to come by (or just plain wet), top floor views and cityscapes have become the next best thing and a desirable year-round alternative. This week, as one high and mighty new members’ club opens its shiny elevator doors for the first time, another is scrapping its [...]
Sky set to see shareholders June 16, 2010 NICHOLAS Ferguson, the senior independent director of BSkyB, which is facing an outright bid from its largest shareholder News Corporation, has intimated he wants to see some of the larger shareholders in the group to listen to their views about the bid price. Ferguson was travelling yesterday on unrelated business but he will no doubt [...]
This may be news to some, but Murdoch’s move is a good one June 16, 2010 Not all of News Corp’s shareholders jumped with joy at news of controlling shareholder Rupert Murdoch’s plan to buy the 61 per cent of BSkyB’s shares it doesn’t already own. Some may feel it is a convoluted attempt to serve Murdoch interests rather than those of the minority holders in News Corp. Others may think [...]
Write off Tiger at your peril, he remains the man to beat June 16, 2010 WITH every day that passes and with every shot he plays, Tiger Woods appears to be looking more like his old brilliant self. The world No1 might still be a little game shy ahead of the US Open, which starts today, but he remains very much the man to beat. Who can forget 10 years [...]
Sky tells News Corp to raise its £12bn bid June 15, 2010 BSKYB yesterday told Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation it has to stump up at least £1bn more if it wants to buy the Pay-TV broadcaster. News Corp tabled a 700p a share, which values Sky at around £12.25bn, to buy the 60.9 per cent of Sky it does not already own. But yesterday Sky’s independent directors, [...]
The top team must drive a hard bargain with News Corporation June 15, 2010 THE eight independent directors charged with looking after interests of BSkyB shareholders are an experienced stellar bunch. But the group will come under scrutiny because they may be perceived as being too close to News Corporation head Rupert Murdoch who was chairman of Sky until 2007, and was replaced by his son James. The gang [...]
Apollo weighs higher Brit bid June 13, 2010 BRIT INSURANCE, the Lloyd’s of London outfit, has its largest investors’ backing to demand an improved takeover offer from US private equity giant Apollo, City A.M. understands. The FTSE 250-listed insurer on Friday knocked back a cash approach from Apollo worth £785m, or 1,000p per share, arguing it “significantly undervalues” the company. Apollo was last [...]
Jungles, sea and history in old Malaysia June 13, 2010 A 100-mile ferry-ride across the South China Sea is Langkawi, one of the world’s most idyllic spots for sunbathing, swimming in crystal green waters framed by lush jungle, and the total luxury of a world-class beach resort. It’s gorgeous – but probably quite similar to retreats in Thailand, Indonesia, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Mauritius…you get [...]
TRAVEL NOTES June 13, 2010 Summer savings in Mauritius Escape unreliable British weather with a trip to this heavenly Ayurvedic retreat in Mauritius, currently offering savings to the tune of £1,525 per person. If you stay seven nights you get a reduced room rate as well as a free daily round of golf. Seven days from £1,455 per person. Includes [...]
City investors round on Pru June 8, 2010 AT LEAST two of Prudential’s top 10 shareholders will meet with the company’s directors to demand a change of management after its failed bid for AIA, according to a report last night. Legal & General Investment Management and Fidelity, who between them control nearly eight per cent of the insurer, are understood to want a [...]