Mitchells & Butlers share price falls following damp August September 25, 2014 Mitchells & Butlers reported a 3.8 per cent increase in full-year sales in its pre-close trading statement for the year to 20 September, but added that sales were significantly lower in August than during the previous month. The pub and bar company, whose chains include Harvester and All Bar One, said sales in July [...]
GSK confirms RBS’ Sir Philip Hampton as new chairman September 25, 2014 GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has confirmed that Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) chairman Sir Philip Hampton has been appointed to lead its board. The pharmaceutical giant said this morning that Hampton will join as non-executive director on 1 January next year, assuming the role of chairman from Sir Christopher Gent from 1 September. Although RBS did not [...]
Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct takes a punt on Tesco’s share price September 25, 2014 Mike Ashley isn't averse to taking a flutter. This time, the Newcastle United owner has taken a bet on Tesco – his company, Sports Direct, has entered into a put option agreement with Goldman Sachs on 23 million of its shares, which could leave it with a 0.28 per cent stake in the retailer, worth [...]
GlaxoSmithKline to name Sir Philip Hampton chair September 24, 2014 SHARES in pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) rose slightly in late afternoon trading yesterday after it emerged that Sir Philip Hampton was likely to be named as its new chairman. GSK is likely to announce Hampton’s move in the next two days – and with such a large job he is expected to eventually give up [...]
BHP Billiton set to add London listing for miner September 24, 2014 BHP Billiton is seriously considering offering an additional London listing for its new mining spin off, in a potential victory for UK shareholders who had pushed for such a move since demerger proposals a month ago. BHP had initially announced listings only on Australian and South African exchanges for the new company, but is now [...]
Inquiry launched into postal sector after Royal Mail warnings about unfair USO competition September 24, 2014 A new inquiry into competition in the postal sector was launched by MPs yesterday, following warnings by Royal Mail that its universal service obligation (USO) might be at risk due to rivals “cherry picking” profitable areas. The business committee will investigate the impact of competition in mail and parcel delivery services on the USO, which [...]
London Report: FTSE stems its losses after BHP announces spin-off firm plans September 24, 2014 BRITAIN’S top share index yesterday ended higher, with gains from BHP Billiton on its plan to list a spin-off company also in London and supportive comments from ECB chief Mario Draghi. The FTSE 100 finished 0.5 per cent higher at 6,706.27 points after staying almost flat during most of the session. BHP Billiton ended 3.2 [...]
Share price up after rumours RBS’ Sir Philip Hampton “will be named GSK chairman before the weekend” September 24, 2014 Shares in pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline rose slightly in late afternoon trading after it emerged Sir Philip Hampton is likely to be named as its new chairman. Shares climbed 0.2 per cent to 1,425p, having spent the afternoon around the 1,418p mark. GSK is likely to announce Hampton's move in the next two days – such [...]
Spirit pubs knocks back Greene King September 23, 2014 PUB AND brewing giant Greene King confirmed it has made a £700m takeover offer for the 1,200 pub chain Spirit Pubs. While Spirit Pubs confirmed the 100p per share bid, it said it had rejected as “it undervalued Spirit and its attractive prospects”.
RBS prices float of Citizens at $21.50 a share September 23, 2014 Royal Bank of Scotland was forced to scale back the price of its jumbo listing of Citizens Financial Group in the US last night, pricing shares at $21.50 each. RBS, which will still own about 75 per cent of Citizens after the flotation, had earlier offered shares to investors at $23 to $25 each but [...]