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Breakfast and balanced choices drive growth at Greggs
Bakery chain Greggs updated the market on its trading on Thursday, ahead of its annual general meeting on Friday, reporting that total sales were up 7. 5% in first 19 weeks of 2017, compared to 5. 7% growth in the same period last year.
EU commissioner says trade deals must meet bloc standards
Any trade deal negotiated by the EU following the conclusion of Brexit negotiations must meet the standards set by the bloc for labour and competition rules, the European Commission’s Margrethe Vestager has said.
Europe open: Stocks slip low as traders continue to buy protection
European stocks have started the day on a down note as investors sit up and take increasing notice of political developments in Washington.
North America, Asia Pacific drive growth at SSP Group
Travel location-based food and beverage outlet operator SSP Group released its financial results for the first half of its 2017 financial year to 31 March on Thursday, reporting underlying operating profit of £42. 8m - an improvement of 24. 7% at constant currency, and 38. 5% at actual exchange rates.
Defined benefits drive new business at JRP Group
JRP Group updated the market on its trading for the quarter to 31 March on Thursday, with overall total new business sales of £436m growing by 13%, driven by a large increase in defined benefit de-risking (DB) volumes, partly offset by more normal levels of mortgage advances.
Dairy Crest profit rises in first full year without dairies
Dairy Crest posted its preliminary results for the year to 31 March on Thursday, with adjusted profit before tax up 5% to £60. 6m.
3i bumps up dividend as total return rockets
Private equity group 3i has declared a bumper dividend after its total return rocketed up 93% to £1. 59bn thanks to valuation gains on its portfolio and a big benefit from the weakness of the pound.
Euromoney Institutional pleased with first-half strategic progress
Euromoney Institutional Investor posted its interim results for the six months to 31 March on Thursday, with total revenue rising 5% to £203. 2m.
Marston's fizzing over Charles Wells brewery acquisition
Marston's announced on Thursday that it had agreed to acquire the Charles Wells brewing business from the Charles Wells Group, for a cash consideration of £55m plus working capital adjustments.
Elis makes new £2bn bid for Berendsen; dismissed as 'opportunistic'
Laundry services group Berendsen on Thursday dismissed a new £2. 05bn bid by French rival Elis as “opportunistic”.
Burberry unveils new buyback after profits fall less than feared
Burberry reported annual profits at the upper end of expectations and promised investors a new £300m share buyback.
CMA gives JD Sports the nod for Go Outdoors acquisition
Sports, fashion and outdoor brands retailer JD Sports Fashion announced on Thursday that its acquisition of Go Outdoors Topco had been given unconditional approval by the Competition and Markets Authority, and that the CMA's investigation was now complete.
Nedbank suffering in weaker South African economy, says Old Mutual
Old Mutual issued an update on the performance of its South Africa banking unit Nedbank Group for the three months to 31 March on Thursday, saying the firm’s managed operations continued to produce a “solid performance” during the period.
Land Securities revenue profits rise as London feels Brexit impact
The UK's largest listed property company Land Securities said full year pre-tax profits fell to £112m from £1. 3bn mainly due to a valuation deficit as the initial effects of Brexit were felt in the London office market.
National Grid generates solid profit improvement
Energy network operator National Grid posted its final results for the year to 31 March on Thursday, with operating profit up 14% to £4. 67bn on an adjusted basis, and profit before tax improving 13% to £3. 56bn.
Royal Mail full-year profit up 25.5% but sales seen declining
Royal Mail reported a 25. 5% jump in full-year pre-tax profit as revenues nudged higher, although the group did caution that sales in the UK are likely to fall.
Hargreaves Lansdown chairman to step down; AUA up 10% to £77bn
Financial advising firm Hargreaves Lansdown said assets under administration rose 10% to £77bn as it reported a trading update for the four months to April 30 and announced that chairman Mike Evans was stepping down.
Thursday newspaper round-up: VW, Lloyds, May, Hinkley Point
Countries seeking a trade deal with the EU should meet European standards on labour law and fair competition, one of the bloc’s most senior officials has said in remarks that reinforce Brexit red lines. Margrethe Vestager, the EU competition commissioner, described the trade agreement with Canada as a model for the future because it enshrined recognition of labour standards, human rights and animal welfare. – Guardian.
London pre-open: Stocks seen weaker amid concerns about Trump
London stocks were set for a weaker open on Thursday, taking their cue from downbeat sessions in the US and Asia amid growing concerns that US President Trump could be impeached.