Competition watchdog to examine £1.3bn tie-up between Slug and Lettuce-owner Stonegate and pub chain Ei Group October 11, 2019 The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) today said it was considering whether the £1.3bn merger between Slug and Lettuce-owner Stonegate and pub chain Ei Group would lessen competition. The watchdog invited comments on the deal from any relevant party by 25 October. Read more: Slug and Lettuce owner Stonegate Pub Company to pay £1.3bn for [...]
Peppa Pig owner Entertainment One deepens losses days before £3.3bn Hasbro merger vote October 11, 2019 Peppa Pig owner Entertainment One has revealed a £43.9m loss in the first quarter of the year, just days before Hasbro puts a massive takeover offer to a shareholder vote. The media firm posted a £43.9m loss, up from a £6.8m loss this time last year, blaming higher debt and its acquisition of Audio Network. [...]
Debenhams secures extra £50m funding for Christmas period October 10, 2019 Debenhams has secured an extra £50m from its lenders to support the struggling department store through the crucial Christmas trading period. Last month the retailer approached its investor consortium – which bought the company out of administration – for the additional financing, on top of the £200m secured in March this year. Read more: Debenhams [...]
Online cosmetics firm Cult Beauty hires advisers to explore sale October 10, 2019 Online cosmetics business Cult Beauty has reportedly hired advisers to explore a potential sale of the company. The firm, which is one of the UK’s fastest-growing online beauty businesses, has appointed JP Morgan to explore its options, Sky News reported. Read more: The Body Shop owner Natura buys Avon for £1.6bn Co-founders Jessica De Luca [...]
Dunelm shares slump despite revenue growth October 10, 2019 Shares in Dunelm dropped more than eight per cent this morning despite reporting growth in the first quarter, following a string of positive trading updates this year. Total like for like revenue grew 6.4 per cent to £255.6m, with a 34.7 per cent increase in online sales. In-store revenue was up 2.9 per cent to [...]
N Brown returns to profit after digital transformation October 10, 2019 Shares in N Brown jumped 7.8 per cent this morning after the plus-size retailer reported it returned to profit in the first half. The figures The retailer reported a statutory profit of £18.8m, up 169.4 per cent from a loss of £27.1m last year. Earnings increased four per cent from £52m to £54.1m in the [...]
Barclay brothers mull £800m sale of The Ritz Hotel October 10, 2019 David and Frederick Barclay, the billionaire brothers that own The Ritz, are reportedly mulling an £800m sale of the five-star Mayfair hotel. The twin brothers, who also own The Telegraph newspaper and Spectator magazine, bought the Grade-II listed building for £75m in 1995. Read more: Profits plunge at Barclay brothers’ Ritz hotel Richard Faber, Frederick [...]
Ladbrokes owner GVC upgrades earnings forecast October 9, 2019 GVC, the owner of Ladbrokes Coral, upgraded its full-year earnings guidance as the gambling giant reported an increase in over-the-counter trading following a government crack down on betting machines. The company increased its full-year guidance range to between £670m and £680m, from a previous estimate of £650m to £670m. Read more: GVC hit with £5.9m [...]
Hays Travel to buy 555 Thomas Cook stores, providing lifeline for 2,500 former workers October 9, 2019 Thousands of former Thomas Cook employees could be in for a reprieve, after the collapsed travel giant’s retail estate has been sold to Hays Travel. The agreement will see the Sunderland-based independent travel agent pick up 555 former Thomas Cook stores around the UK. The news offers a lifeline for its 2,500 former retail employees. [...]
