Company News
Thursday preview: US Q1 GDP, Auto Trader in the spotlight
The market spotlight on Thursday will continue to be on the US, where another flurry of economic indicators and speeches from central bank officials are scheduled.
Marks & Spencer appoints Alison Dolan as CFO
Marks and Spencer said on Wednesday that it has appointed Alison Dolan as its new chief financial officer.
Ocado set to exit FTSE 100 in latest reshuffle, Darktrace and Vistry to join
Ocado and St James's Place are set to be kicked out of the FTSE 100 in the latest quarterly reshuffle of components, with Darktrace and Vistry expected to join the top-tier index.
Wood Group 'evaluating' final takeover approach from Sidara at 230p a share
Wood Group said on Wednesday that it was evaluating a fourth and final "unsolicited, preliminary and conditional" takeover proposal from Dubai-based engineering and consulting firm Sidara at 230p a share.
Czech's in the post as Kretinsky strikes £5.3bn deal for Royal Mail
Royal Mail owner International Distribution Services on Wednesday said it had reached agreement with Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky on a takeover worth up to £5. 3bn for the 500-year-old company.
ConocoPhillips to buy Marathon Oil in $22bn deal
ConocoPhillips confirmed on Wednesday that it has agreed to buy Marathon Oil in an all-share deal worth $22bn.
Merck to buy EyeBio for up to $3bn
US pharma giant Merck said on Wednesday that it has agreed to buy ophthalmology-focused biotechnology firm EyeBio for up to $3bn.
Averon to buy Foresight Sustainable Forestry in £167m deal
Foresight Sustainable Forestry Company is to be acquired by Averon Park in a £167m deal, it was confirmed on Wednesday, less than three years after the specialist investment firm went public.
Anglo rebuffs BHP request to extend takeover talks
Anglo American has rejected BHP's request to extend its 'put up or shut up' offer deadline, advising shareholders to take no action in response to the latter's latest attempt to sway the mining group into a £39bn takeover deal.
Funding Circle to cut 120 jobs, CFO to step down
Funding Circle said on Wednesday that it was planning to axe around 120 jobs as part of its cost-cutting and streamlining efforts, as it announced the departure of chief financial officer Oliver White.
Shares in Gem Diamonds shine on 'remarkable' recovery
Gem Diamonds has recovered a 212 carat precious stone, the miner confirmed on Wednesday, sending its shares higher.
Bloomsbury Publishing buys US publisher for £65m
Bloomsbury Publishing said on Wednesday that it has bought The Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group's academic publishing business for $83m (£65m).
Ofwat mulls cutting fines for struggling water firms - report
The regulator is considering reducing fines for financially stressed water companies, including crisis-hit Thames Water, it was reported on Wednesday.
PayPoint invests in open banking platform Aperidata
Payment tech group PayPoint has invested £1m in Aperidata to enhance its open banking solutions to clients, the company announced on Wednesday.
IWG slumps as CEO Dixon sells 35m shares
IWG slumped on Wednesday after chief executive Mark Dixon sold 35m shares in the flexible workspace provider.
Fuller Smith & Turner sells 37 pubs to Admiral Taverns
Pubs and hotels group Fuller, Smith & Turner has announced the sale of 37 pubs to Admiral Taverns for £18. 3m as it looks to bolster its balance sheet.
JLEN Environmental posts dip in net asset value
JLEN Environmental Assets Group reported a dip in net asset value on Wednesday, on the back of lower power prices and battery revenues.
BHP urges Anglo American to extend offer deadline
Mining titan BHP has requested that Anglo American extend its 'put up or shut up' deadline so that the two can continue discussions around a potential £39bn takeover of the latter.
Profits dip at Pets At Home despite revenues jump
Pets At Home posted a jump in annual sales on Wednesday but saw profits fall back, hit by availability issues.
Bank of Georgia delivers solid Q1 as profit jump
First-quarter profits at Bank of Georgia were up by more than a fifth, helped by favourable macro conditions and the recent acquisition of Armenia's Ameriabank.