The Big Table in talks to snap up Chiquito’s and Frankie and Benny’s from TRG September 9, 2023 The owner of Cafe Rouge, The Big Table, is in talks to snap up Chiquito’s and Frankie and Benny’s from The Restaurant Group (TRG). According to a report first published in Sky News, the firm, which is backed by private equity group Epiris, is in negotiations with TRG, the London listed firm which owns Wagamama [...]
UK’s Motor Fuel Group in £2bn fuel stations deal talks with Morrisons September 9, 2023 UK’s Motor Fuel Group (MFG) is in talks with supermarket chain Morrisons for 340 fuel retail forecourts in a deal that could be worth about £2bn, the petrol stations giant said. The company, in a statement to Reuters on Friday, said a deal would also include 500 freehold plots of land at the supermarket chain’s [...]
Heatwave a ‘huge relief’ for hospitality sector after miserable summer September 9, 2023 The September heatwave has come as a “huge relief” for the hospitality sector after a miserable July and August, leading industry figures have said. Soaring temperatures over the past week have “brought back the feelgood factor” for business owners across the industry, they added. Thursday was provisionally the hottest day of the year so far, [...]
TRG: Wagamama owner on hunt for new chair after months of shareholder haggling September 8, 2023 The Restaurant Group (TRG) are hunting for a new chairman after current one Ken Hanna has told the company he will not be standing for re-election at the next AGM in 2024. Shares rose five per cent on Friday morning after Hanna, who has been at TRG since the start of 2022, said he is [...]
Tourist tax means UK is missing out on £1bn ‘Brexit boost’, MPs warn September 7, 2023 Britain is missing out on a £1bn pound “Brexit boost” for as long as it fails to reinstate VAT-free shopping for international tourists, MPs have warned.
Waitrose warns of jobs cuts as it shakes up staff hours September 7, 2023 Waitrose workers have been warned that some jobs are at risk as the business looks to ramp up productivity and reduce costs.
Smurfit Kappa looks to ditch London as it plots merger with US rival West Rock September 7, 2023 Irish packaging giant Smurfit Kappa has confirmed it is in advanced discussions to merge with US rival West Rock.
Currys sticks to full-year guidance despite falling sales September 7, 2023 Currys has said it is sticking to its annual profit guidance despite recording a 4% fall in group sales in the 17 weeks to August. The British electrical goods seller reported a 2% dip in like-for-like sales in its UK and Ireland (UK&I) division as consumers put off buying expensive goods amid the cost of [...]
Starbucks cheers ‘good progress’ in plan for 100 new UK shops September 7, 2023 Coffee giant Starbucks has hailed “good progress” in its expansion plans to open 100 new stores in the UK over the current year. The chain said it has also “maintained strong, double-digit growth” in the UK in recent months despite pressure on consumer spending due to the rising cost of living. On Thursday, the retail [...]
Ann Summers: Turnover reaches over £100m as lingerie retailer plots store expansion September 6, 2023 The erotic retailer, which has 88 stores across the UK and Ireland, plans to open four or five more stores in 2024, a new filing posted on Companies House shows.