Company News
Elis makes new £2bn bid for Berendsen; dismissed as 'opportunistic'
Laundry services group Berendsen on Thursday dismissed a new £2. 05bn bid by French rival Elis as “opportunistic”.
Burberry unveils new buyback after profits fall less than feared
Burberry reported annual profits at the upper end of expectations and promised investors a new £300m share buyback.
CMA gives JD Sports the nod for Go Outdoors acquisition
Sports, fashion and outdoor brands retailer JD Sports Fashion announced on Thursday that its acquisition of Go Outdoors Topco had been given unconditional approval by the Competition and Markets Authority, and that the CMA's investigation was now complete.
Nedbank suffering in weaker South African economy, says Old Mutual
Old Mutual issued an update on the performance of its South Africa banking unit Nedbank Group for the three months to 31 March on Thursday, saying the firm’s managed operations continued to produce a “solid performance” during the period.
Land Securities revenue profits rise as London feels Brexit impact
The UK's largest listed property company Land Securities said full year pre-tax profits fell to £112m from £1. 3bn mainly due to a valuation deficit as the initial effects of Brexit were felt in the London office market.
National Grid generates solid profit improvement
Energy network operator National Grid posted its final results for the year to 31 March on Thursday, with operating profit up 14% to £4. 67bn on an adjusted basis, and profit before tax improving 13% to £3. 56bn.
Royal Mail full-year profit up 25.5% but sales seen declining
Royal Mail reported a 25. 5% jump in full-year pre-tax profit as revenues nudged higher, although the group did caution that sales in the UK are likely to fall.
Hargreaves Lansdown chairman to step down; AUA up 10% to £77bn
Financial advising firm Hargreaves Lansdown said assets under administration rose 10% to £77bn as it reported a trading update for the four months to April 30 and announced that chairman Mike Evans was stepping down.
Investec reports increase in full-year profits despite economic uncertainties
Investec reported a 18. 5% increase in full-year statutory operating profits to £599. 1m which drove a 6. 3% rise in statutory earnings per share to 48. 3p.
GSK's mepolizumab meets endpoints in phase 3 study
GSK said its mepolizumab treatment met co-primary efficacy endpoints and all secondary endpoints in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study on patients who have a form of vasculitis.