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 [...]
Forget south africa; the world cup is coming to bishopsgate June 8, 2010 ROYAL Bank of Scotland has clearly been keeping an ear out for all the sage words of wisdom dropping from the sky over the World Cup. The four-yearly event is one of the most sought-after corporate hospitality gigs in the calendar, but RBS, mindful of that taxpayer bailout it received during the crisis, isn’t biting. [...]
See the World Cup in world-class style June 8, 2010 FEVER PITCH, FULHAM You won’t miss a second of build-up if it’s up to World Cup pop-up bar Fever Pitch in Fulham. Open since May and closed after the final, this is the place to enjoy the action on nine screens spanning 360 degrees while sipping a pretty decent selection of beer. The 400-capacity venue [...]