News And Announcements
Unite urges government to block 'predatory' Melrose bid for GKN
Unite has urged the government to block what it called a "predatory" and "destructive" takeover bid for engineer GKN by turnaround specialist Melrose Industries.
Escher Group sees FY earnings at around $2.8m
Dublin-based software company Escher Group said on Friday that full-year revenue is expected to be marginally ahead of the $18m forecast in the trading update in November, while adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation will be around $2. 8m.
Lighthouse Group sees FY earnings, revenue and pre-tax profit ahead of views
AIM-listed Lighthouse Group said on Friday that it expects to report full-year revenue, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation and pre-tax profit ahead of market views.
GKN rejects Melrose offer, appoints new CEO and announces restructure
Shares in GKN surged on Friday after the company said it has rejected a bid proposal from Melrose and appointed Anne Stevens as chief executive, as it announced plans to separate its aerospace and automotive businesses.
Ex-BHS owner Dominic Chappell found guilty of failing to disclose information
Former owner of the collapsed BHS retail chain Dominic Chappell has been found guilty of three charges of failing to provide documents to the pensions watchdog.
FCA's binary blacklist of almost 100 firms offering unauthorised options trading
The UK financial regulator has published a list of 94 firms illegally offering binary options trading to British investors, many of which are suspected of hiding the fact that they are based overseas.
Petards sees FY profits hoisted above expectations
Surveillance group Petards said it expected full year pre-tax profits to be above market expectations, although £1m in revenues would be deferred into 2018.
Howden Joinery confirms new CEO's start date
Howden Joinery Group has confirmed that chief executive designate Andrew Livingston will join on 29 January, as founder and current CEO Matthew Ingle retires.
FFI Holdings buys motorsports entertainment insurance book from All Risks
AIM-listed FFI Holdings has acquired the motorsports entertainment insurance book of business from All Risks, the largest US independent wholesale brokerage, through its subsidiary Reel Media.
Italian tax office appeals over Telit VAT ruling
Telit Communications said Italian tax authorities were appealing to the country's Supreme Court over its three year VAT assessment case.
WPP buys London-based growth consultancy Mash
WPP said on Friday that Kantar Consulting, which is part of its data investment management division, has bought London-based strategy and growth consultancy Mash for an undisclosed sum.
Discounter B&M grows sales 22% over festive period
Discount retailer B&M European Value reported a strong quarter of growth in the pre-Christmas period, helped by 22 new store openings and keeping prices low in the UK and Germany via its far-eastern supply chain.
Bovis Homes repairs reputation and balance sheet after faulty homes scandal
Bovis Homes built a lower number of homes in 2017 but reported much improvement in its balance sheet and in customer satisfaction after the controversy over putting customers in faulty homes last year.
Sirius Minerals says mine production on time, budget
Sirius Minerals said it was on track to deliver its first polyhalite and commercial production from its Woodsmith mine on time and on budget.
Mitchells & Butlers says Christmas LFL sales up 3.9%
Restaurant and pub chain owner Mitchells & Butlers said trading through the core three week festive season was “strong”, with like-for-like sales growth of 3. 9%.
Smiths sees favourable medium term impact of US from US tax change
Smiths Group said the net impact of new US tax legislation on the group would be “favourable over the medium term”.