UK M&A set for ‘sustained increase’ after Budget and Trump victory Banking British M&A activity is expected to ramp up going into 2025, City advisers have said, as dealmakers feel more certainty following the Budget and US presidential election.
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group buys stake in Hudson Malta to boost global expansion Retail Frasers Group, the empire controlled by Mike Ashley, is to expand into Malta and Africa after acquiring a “significant non-controlling” stake in a retail and distribution business. The London-listed group has invested in Hudson Malta, which has operations across 36 African countries. The owner of Sports Direct and House of Fraser said the deal reflects [...]
Simon Cowell’s talent agency YMU significantly cut loss ahead of sale Business The talent agency that represents the likes of Simon Cowell, Graham Norton and Claudia Winkleman significantly cut its pre-tax loss in the year before it was sold. YMU, whose clients also include Nicole Scherzinger, Stacey Solomon and Ant and Dec, has reported a pre-tax loss of 32m for 2023, according to newly-filed accounts with Companies [...]
Brookfield wins round Tritax Eurobox in £1.1bn tie-up October 10, 2024 In a statement to the market this morning, the boards of the two companies said they reached an agreement on a £1.1bn deal.
Travelex to be put up for sale after post-pandemic rebirth October 10, 2024 The chief executive made the comments about Travelex's sale plans in the latest episode of City A.M.'s Boardroom Uncovered interview series.
Selfridges: Saudi Arabia’s PIF invests in department store group October 8, 2024 Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is now a joint owner of the business behind upmarket department store chain, Selfridges, it has been confirmed. Thai investor Central Group has announced a deal which will see it own 60 per cent of the group’s operating and property companies, with the PIF owning the rest. Central Group [...]
In The Style: What’s next for fast-fashion label as founder quits and takeover drags on? October 1, 2024 The founder of fast-fashion label In The Style has quit as a drawn-out takeover deal continues to rumble on. Adam Frisby set up the Manchester-based brand from his bedroom in 2013 and served as its chief executive January 2022 but returned as CEO in December that year before again leaving the role 12 months later. [...]
Vodafone and Three hit back at regulator’s concerns in merger battle September 30, 2024 Vodafone and Three have pushed back against the regulator’s concerns over their proposed £15bn merger, insisting that “outstanding issues can be resolved,” following the latest findings from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). In a response published today, the telecom firms said they “remain confident” in the deal, which would combine two of the UK’s [...]
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group tables £83m Mulberry takeover bid after capital raise snub September 30, 2024 Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has tabled a £83m takeover of Mulberry and launched a tirade against its board after allegedly being shut out of discussions over a £10m fund raise. The retail giant, which owns a 37 per cent stake in Mulberry, offered £83m for the rest of the luxury fashion brand, valuing each share [...]
Bravissimo: Founder sells up ahead of 30th anniversary September 27, 2024 Lingerie retailer Bravissimo, which was set up by entrepreneur Sarah Tremellen almost 30 years ago, has been sold to a Japanese giant. The Warwickshire-headquartered company has been snapped up by Wacoal’s European division, which is based in Northamptonshire, for an undisclosed sum. Tremellen has owned Bravissimo with her husband Mike since she founded the firm [...]