Shareholder backlash pushes up low-ball London takeover bids Markets Top shareholders of London-listed firms are pushing back on takeover bids this year amid concerns buyers are capitalising on low valuations to pick up companies on the cheap. Foreign buyers have targeted companies across the London Stock Exchange this year including FTSE 100 firms Schroders, Intertek and Beazley. Retail investment firm AJ Bell said it [...]
British brewery drafts plan to join Pisces platform Markets A British brewery has drawn up plans to become the inaugural member of Asset Match’s new private markets platform, granting it a major boost as it competes to lure over unlisted companies to its framework. The online private stock market has welcomed Wiltshire-based brewer and pub operator Wadworth to its Private Intermittent Securities and Capital [...]
North Sea is not competitive, says BP boss days after exit Markets The boss of BP has branded the North Sea as not competitive just days after putting the company’s assets in the basin up for sale. Meg O’Neill, who took over as chief executive in April said she had spoken with prime minister Andy Burnham as she justified BP’s decision to exit the North Sea. Speaking [...]
Second time lucky for Lucy Rigby? July 29, 2026 The Square Mile has welcomed its fifth City minister in two years and a familiar face is back in the hot seat- but can she deliver? Few tears were shed in the City when it became clear that Rachel Reeves would be out of Number 11 Downing Street. Yet the surprise return of her erstwhile [...]
Clifford Chance partners pocket £2.3m as private markets drive growth July 22, 2026 Magic circle firm Clifford Chance’s revenue surpassed £2.6bn for the first time, largely driven by the surge in private market work. The firm’s revenue was up 9 per cent from £2.4bn last year, as the Canary Wharf-headquartered firm said that while all service lines performed well, the hike was driven largely by “momentum in the private markets” [...]
‘We are going to run out’: Mitie marks eleventh mega takeover of 2026 July 22, 2026 Mitie’s takeover by rival facilities management group OCS marks the London Stock Exchange’s eleventh £1bn takeover so far this year, as the market continues to serve as a hunting ground for private buyers. OCS agreed to pay 218.5p per share and a final dividend of up to 3.1p. The offer price comes at a 44.7 [...]
FTSE 250 facilities manager swept off London Stock Exchange in £3.1bn deal July 21, 2026 Mitie is set to become the latest company picked off the London Stock Exchange, after agreeing to a £3.1bn takeover by UK rival OCS. The global facilities management company agreed to pay 221.6p in cash for the firm, comprising 218.5p per Mitie share and a final dividend of up to 3.1p. The offer price is [...]
City watchdog eyes rules overhaul for UK asset managers July 14, 2026 The UK’s financial watchdog has proposed a host of reforms aimed at simplifying reporting for asset managers and end industry confusion over complicated regulations. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said the modernisation of the rules will tailor requirements for asset managers, cut costs for firms and provide better data for the sector, saving managers £128m [...]
Grosvenor casino owner cuts staff after Reeves gambling tax blow July 14, 2026 Grosvenor casino owner Rank Group was forced to trim its headcount in a bid to cut costs, as the company continues to deal with the fallout of Rachel Reeves hiking online gambling tax. The Chancellor’s decision to increase Remote Gaming Duty (RGD) rate from 21 per cent to 40 per cent in the last Autumn [...]
Moneybox boosts London’s Pisces market in ‘milestone’ £45m sale July 13, 2026 Moneybox has granted London’s novice private markets platform another major boost after confirming a £45m employee share sale. The move has been hailed a “milestone transaction” in the City’s efforts to keep tech firms from looking for opportunities abroad. The fintech will use the London Stock Exchange’s Private Intermittent Securities and Capital Exchange System (PISCES) [...]