Fraser’s Group, the retail giant controlled by Mike Ashley, and discounter B&M are to be relegated from the UK’s blue chip share index. FTSE Russell, which operates the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 indices, confirmed on Wednesday evening that its latest quarterly review would see the Sports Direct-led Frasers drop to the bottom tier for … Read more
An investment vehicle founded by one of Britain’s biggest venture capitalists is in advanced talks to buy a portfolio of stakes in some of the country’s most promising technology companies. Sky News has learned that Lexham Partners, set up this year by Dominic Perks, is close to a deal to acquire stakes in companies including … Read more
The sleeping Jaguar suddenly woke up. After months of gentle provocations, the British car manufacturer has unveiled its latest model: a “fully electric concept with bold shapes and exuberant proportions to inspire future Jaguars”. Predictably, we were bombarded with marketing talk alongside the launch of the Type 00, the biggest rebrand in the company’s 102-year … Read more
Lawyers representing British motorists who had to pay inflated prices to deliver vehicles to the UK have agreed settlements worth £38 million after a years-long battle alleging they were defrauded by a cartel of shipping companies. Sky News understands that Mark McLaren, the representative of the group which filed the complaint, and Scott+Scott, the US … Read more
The Observer staff joining Tortoise Media, the world’s oldest Sunday newspaper, will be offered continued access to Guardian job vacancies in a last-ditch compromise offered before the company’s first strike for decades. Sky News has obtained a memo sent to Guardian Media Group employees on Monday from Anna Bateson, the company’s chief executive, which outlines … Read more
The Treasury is set to finalize Rachel Reeves’ first visit to China as chancellor just days before Donald Trump is sworn in for the second time as US president. Sky News understands that Whitehall officials have planned a mid-January resumption of economic and financial dialogue between the UK and China after a six-year hiatus. Sources … Read more
A mining group whose financier Nick Candy is the largest shareholder is set to snap up a London-listed gold explorer to create an enlarged group worth more than £150 million. Sky News has learned that Metals Exploration, also listed on the AIM junior market, is close to completing a cash and stock deal to acquire … Read more
It’s one of the most popular times of year to propose: according to Bridebook, a popular wedding planning app, more than 100,000 engagements take place during the holiday season. But as Brits feel the effects of years of high inflation, how much are people spending, what cuts are they planning and what happens to the … Read more
The owner of the UK’s largest natural gas storage site has warned of a depletion of stocks by the end of winter due to early cold weather and a lack of wind power. Centrica, which operates the North Sea crude plant, said stocks could be lower than in previous years due to higher demand. It … Read more
The owner of Britain’s best-known spa hotel has called on bankers to help explore strategic options on the eve of its centenary. Sky News has learned that Champneys has appointed Cavendish to advise on possible transaction opportunities, including the acquisition of a new site as well as the sale of the business. The company’s locations … Read more