The new A35 isn’t Mercedes-AMG’s hottest hatchback, but it certainly isn’t tepid July 16, 2019 The hot hatch has reached boiling point. Very soon, Mercedes will reveal a new AMG A45, with the most powerful four-cylinder engine ever. Its scorching 416hp bests a 288 GTO – Ferrari’s mid-1980s poster car – in a game of Top Trumps, and may well get from 0-62mph in less than four seconds. A supercar-slaying [...]
It’s not just cricket – finance and friendship underpin Britain’s bond with India July 16, 2019 The deep love of cricket that the UK and India share was clearly on show last week. But our relationship goes much further than just a passion for sport. It is a family affair, with parents and children, brothers and sisters living, working and moving between our two great nations. It is no surprise then [...]
Sports Direct’s share price plunges as it delays results amid House of Fraser uncertainty July 15, 2019 Shares in Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct dived this morning after the firm pushed back the publication of its financial results. The retailer blamed the delay on troubles in its recently-acquired House of Fraser business along with increased regulatory scrutiny over auditor Grant Thornton’s inspection of its books. Read more: Sports Direct expected to post 20 [...]
Sports Direct expected to post 20 per cent profit drop July 14, 2019 Sports Direct is expected to report a 20 per cent drop in profit following an acquisition spree by billionaire owner Mike Ashley. Profit before tax could slip from £152.9m to £122.06m, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. Read more: Top Sports Direct executive leaves Mike Ashley’s firm Analysts said revenue is expected to [...]
Ocado, Dunelm and Superdry show there’s always winners & losers in retail July 10, 2019 It’s not all doom and gloom in retail. Whilst we have certainly seen a downturn on the high street, there are winners as well as losers. Next shares are among the best performers on the FTSE in 2019, up 30% so far. And they’re not alone in outperforming the market despite the trouble on the [...]
Pressure tells as Johanna Konta feels the heat of Centre Court to exit Wimbledon in the quarter-finals to Barbora Strycova July 9, 2019 Professional sport is an unforgiving environment. When you’re playing well Centre Court feels like a hospitable stage, the points coming at a steady pace, but when you’re struggling suddenly the crowd feels oppressive and the ball unrelenting. To see a sportsperson wither under the pressure is not an enjoyable sight – yet that’s exactly what [...]
Sports Direct set for Game Digital takeover after securing shareholder backing July 9, 2019 Sports Direct said today that it has wrapped up enough support for its takeover offer of Game Digital, paving the way for Mike Ashley’s latest high street acquisition. The retailer has said its offer for Game Digital is now unconditional, as its own 38.5 per cent stake and backing from other shareholders takes its support [...]
Debenhams urges Sports Direct to drop legal action over restructuring plan July 8, 2019 Debenhams has urged Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct to drop its lawsuit over the department store chain’s controversial insolvency plan after a key landlord withdrew its legal action. Sports Direct has filed a complaint against the company voluntary arrangement (CVA), which will allow Debenhams to close some 50 stores in a bid to stay afloat. Read [...]
Women’s World Cup 2019: Was it a success? And how does football build on it? Sport industry insiders give their views July 8, 2019 After 31 days, 52 games and 146 goals, the most high-profile Women’s World Cup yet is over. But what impact has it made on the game and the wider landscape? We asked a selection of industry experts. Contributors Lisa Parfitt, managing director, Engine Sport and Brand Experience; Steve Martin, global CEO, M&C Saatchi Sport and [...]
Going, going… Dons: AFC Wimbledon aiming to raise £7m using crowdfunding to pay for new Plough Lane stadium July 8, 2019 AFC Wimbledon are a club founded by fans and now, 17 years on from their rebirth, they are hoping their supporters can help lay the foundations for a move back to the corner of south-west London they call home. The Dons are building a new stadium at Plough Lane, which they believe will be ready [...]