News And Announcements
Debenhams to cut jobs faster after Christmas profit warning, takeover talk grows
Debenhams has pledged to accelerate its restructuring plans after issuing the first profit warning of 2018 as sales fell and "tactical promotional action" misfired in the department store group's crucial festive period.
IAG traffic and capacity expand further
British Airways owner IAG reported further growth in capacity and passenger traffic for December.
Ocado on the rise as deal rumours swirl
Shares in Ocado, the online grocery specialist, marched higher on Thursday as City chatter grew louder about a potential new overseas contract and renewed talk of a possible takeover bid.
Melrose sees future boost to earnings, Nortek disposals from Trump tax cut
Melrose Industries said US tax cuts signed off by Donald Trump at the end of last year will reduce its group effective tax rate for 2018.
Aldi reports bumper Christmas as 2017 sales top £10bn
Sales at German discount retailer Aldi grew 15% on the year in December, helping to push its total sales in the UK and Ireland in 2017 to more than £10bn for the first time.
Escher Group CEO Liam Church to retire in May
Escher Group Holdings said on Thursday that chief executive Liam Church plans to retire at the end of May.
Sirius Real Estate buys Krefeld business park for €9.2m
AIM-listed Sirius Real Estate has bought a business park in Krefeld, Germany, for €9. 2m including acquisition costs.
India's Idea to raise €882m ahead of Vodafone merger
Indian mobile phone operator Idea Cellular on Thursday said it planned to raise up to INR 67. 5bn (€882m) to strengthen its balance sheet ahead of its merger with Vodafone.
Scientific Digital Imaging in talks over bolt-on acquisition
AIM-listed Scientific Digital Imaging said on Thursday that it is in negotiations regarding a potential small bolt-on acquisition to complement its existing Atik Cameras brand.
Walker Greenbank confirms financial impact of machine fire at wallpaper factory
AIM-listed luxury interior furnishings group Walker Greenbank confirmed on Thursday that the impact of the machine fire at its Loughborough wallpaper factor in the current financial year is expected to be less than £500,000.
NMC Health buys remaining stakes in IVF business, hospital
NMC Health, which operates in the United Arab Emirates, said it has bought outstanding minority stakes in Fakih IVF and As Salama Hospital for a total of $218m.
Rotork appoints Kevin Hostetler as CEO
FTSE 250 actuator manufacturer Rotork has appointed Kevin Hostetler as chief executive with effect from 12 March.
DCC to buy German LPG, refrigeration business for undisclosed sum
International sales, marketing and support services group DCC said it had agreed a deal to buy Tega-Technische Gase und Gasetechnik from Germany's Linde for an undisclosed cash sum.
Whitbread appoints Adam Crozier as chairman amid Costa sale rumours
Whitbread has appointed former ITV and Royal Mail boss Adam Crozier as its new chairman, just as City chatter swirls about a potential break-up of the Premier Inn and Costa Coffee owner.
Vectura to focus on lower risk, higher value opportunities
Medical inhaler group Vectura said 2017 full year revenue should be in line with expectations, adding that a strong second half delivered closing cash and cash equivalents of around £104m net of £1. 4m outflows in respect of the £15m share buyback which started in November.