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UK govt 'minded' to approve Meggitt takeover
The UK government has indicated it is likely to accept the £6. 3bn takeover of the domestic defence company Meggitt by American industrial outfit Parker Hannifin.
US pre-open: Futures little changed ahead second last day of Q2 trading
Wall Street futures were little changed prior to the open on Q2's penultimate trading session.
Downside surprise now expected for German CPI in June thanks to one-off government measures
The cost of living in Germany is expected to surprise to the downside in May, but only because of government measures meant to dampen rising inflation.
Spanish CPI jumps past economists' forecasts in June
The cost of living in Spain grew at its fastest clip since the middle of 1985 in June, stoked by fuel prices and those for food and non-alcoholic beverages.
E&Y fined $100m over US ethics exam cheating
Accounting giant Ernst & Young has been fined a record $100m by US regulators after its audit staff cheated on an ethics exam and misled investigators.
Euro area money supply growth data for May are a 'red alert', economist says
Lending to companies in the euro area picked up heartily last month, but for some economists the ongoing decline in so-called 'narrow money' was a "red flag" heralding a big drop in loans to the private sector over the next six to nine months.
Profits beat forecasts at H&M
Profits came in ahead of expectations at fashion giant Hennes & Mauritz on Wednesday, as shoppers returned to stores and strong demand saw more clothes sold at full price.
Ofgem unveils £21bn package to boost electricity networks
Ofgem, the energy regulator, has unveiled a £21bn package to upgrade the UK’s regional electricity networks, but insisted that household bills will not rise as a result.
London midday: Stocks maintain losses amid global slowdown fears
London stocks were still on the back foot by midday on Wednesday amid concerns about a global slowdown.
Berenberg initiates coverage of Just Eat Takeaway at 'sell'
Berenberg initiated coverage of Just Eat Takeaway on Wednesday with a ‘sell’ rating, saying that near-term trading will remain muted and the Grubhub sale will disappoint, sending shares in the food delivery company tumbling.
Whitbread names Domino's Pizza's Dominic Paul as CEO
Premier Inn owner Whitbread named Dominic Paul as its next chief executive officer on Wednesday, succeeding outgoing CEO Alison Brittain.
Wednesday newspaper round-up: Climate crisis deal, fuel duty cut, EY
EU countries clinched deals on proposed laws to combat the climate crisis in the early hours of Wednesday, backing a 2035 phase-out of new fossil-fuel car sales and a multibillion-euro fund to shield poorer citizens from the costs of carbon dioxide emissions. After more than 16 hours of negotiations, environment ministers from the 27 member states agreed their joint positions on five laws, part of a broader package of measures to slash planet-heating emissions this decade.
McBride secures covenant test waiver
Household goods manufacturer McBride said on Wednesday that its banking group had waived covenant tests scheduled for June until 30 September.
Deutsche Bank downgrades Diageo to ‘sell’
Deutsche Bank downgraded Diageo on Wednesday to ‘sell’ from ‘hold’ and cut the price target to 3,230p from 4,050p as it argued the stock was "priced for perfection" and "due for deceleration".
Mulberry FY profits, revenue rise as it recovers from pandemic
Luxury handbag maker Mulberry reported a jump in full-year profit and revenue on Wednesday, with a strong performance in the UK and China, as it hailed a "strong" recovery from the pandemic.
London open: Stocks fall after US losses; B&M bucks trend
London stocks fell in early trade on Wednesday, taking their cue from a weak session on Wall Street following the release of disappointing US data.
Europe open: Shares lower on Wall St; Just Eat swallows 'sell' rating
European shares opened lower on Wednesday, as renewed recessionary fears put the brakes on a rally sparked by China relaxing Covid quarantine curbs for visitors.
Lookers H1 trading continues to be 'strong'
Automotive retailer Lookers said on Wednesday that first-half trading continued to be "strong", with the group now expecting to report interim underlying pre-tax profits of approximately £45. 0m.
Spire Healthcare signs new four-year contract with Bupa
Independent hospital group Spire Healthcare said on Wednesday that it has signed a new four-year contract with Bupa to provide services to its UK health insurance customers.
Capita H1 trading in line with expectations
Business process outsourcing and professional services company Capita said on Wednesday that its first-half performance had been in line with expectations, with further revenue growth, important contract renewals and wins, and ongoing strengthening of the group's balance sheet.