Company News
Versarien's international ambitions aided by secondment of government official
Versarien plc announced on Tuesday that Matt Walker, head of outward direct investment at the UK government's department for international trade (DIT), has joined the company on a secondment.
Tesco Direct to shut down as Wilson swings axe
Tesco is shuttering its online general merchandise business, Tesco Direct, in new UK chief executive Charles Wilson's first visible act since joining as part of the Booker takeover.
Terra Firma puts Wyevale Garden Centre up for sale
Private equity fund Terra Firma has put Wyevale Garden Centres on the block, offering a trade buyer a portfolio of 145 retail outlets across the UK ranging from horticultural centres to leisure destination venues.
ICG eyes £1.2bn acquisition of software supplier Iris - reports
Intermediate Capital Group is reportedly close to reaching an agreement to acquire medical software supplier Iris in a transaction that is expected to value the group at £1. 2bn.
Brave Bison's shares up over 150% as company rakes in views
Social video company Brave Bison’s shares rocketed on Tuesday after the company was named as the world’s third-biggest digital media publisher.
Blue Star's SatoshiPay cosies up with El Reg, gives away more Lumens
Tech-focussed investing company Blue Star Capital noted an update made earlier on Tuesday by its investee company SatoshiPay, which has partnered with technology news site The Register to pilot a cryptocurrency micropayments trial for selected content on its website.
OptiBiotix signs deal with Seed Health to get products into US market
Life sciences business OptiBiotix Health has entered into a non-exclusive agreement with Seed Health to produce, promote, market, and commercialise products containing ‘LP-LDL’ in the US, it announced on Tuesday.
GetBusy recurring revenue rises solidly
Document management and productivity software products provider GetBusy updated the market on its trading as investors gathered for its annual general meeting on Tuesday, reporting that the four months to 30 April were in line with the board's expectations, as the company built on the progress it achieved during 2017.
Toyota warns UK plants will struggle if government bans hybrid cars
Toyota has warned its UK factories will struggle to gain investment if the government announces a future ban on the sale of its hybrid cars.
SDX Energy abandons latest well after non-commercial find
North Africa-focused oil and gas firm SDX Energy announced on Tuesday that it has encountered sands of low gas saturation that are not deemed to be commercial at its Kelvin-1X exploration well.
PureTech affiliate Alivio granted two key US patents
Clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company PureTech Health announced on Tuesday that its affiliate Alivio Therapeutics has been granted two key patents broadly covering its inflammation-targeting technology platform.
BoA's Stephen Miller to take reins as Park Group CIO
Multi-retailer prepaid gift card provider Park Group has appointed Stephen Miller as its chief information officer - a non-board position - it announced on Tuesday.
DS Smith to buy US-based corrugated packaging company
Packaging business DS Smith has agreed to buy US-based Corrugated Container Corporation (CCC) for an undisclosed sum, in a deal that is expected to be immediately earnings-enhancing.
Wednesday preview: M&S results to determine FTSE fate, CPI and Fed mins in focus
Wednesday results from Marks & Spencer could determine the high street fixture's FTSE 100 status, while UK inflation data is likely to move the pound and Fed meeting minutes will be closely read and fairly certain to move the dollar.
Applied Graphene inks paint primer deal with James Briggs
Specialty graphene materials producer Applied Graphene Materials announced on Tuesday that independent chemicals business James Briggs intended to bring a new range of aerosol paint primers containing Applied’s graphene to market during the last quarter of 2018.
Nationwide profits fall slightly in tough retail banking market
Nationwide issued its preliminary results for the full year on Tuesday, reporting a small fall in underlying profit to £1. 02bn from £1. 03bn, which the board said was within its financial performance framework.
JC Penney tumbles as CEO Ellison leaves to join Lowe's
Shares in US department store operator JC Penney tumbled on Tuesday as it announced the resignation of chairman and chief executive officer Marvin Ellison, with immediate effect.
Watkin Jones profit up strongly in first half
Multi-occupancy property asset developer Watkin Jones issued its half year results for the six months ended 31 March on Tuesday, reporting a “successful” first six months of the financial year, with trading in line with its expectations.
Marks & Spencer to close 100 stores by 2022
High street retailer Marks & Spencer confirmed its plans to close 100 stores over the next four years in a sweeping move that will cut a third of its core clothing and home branches.
Entertainment One profits as Peppa Pig and PJ Masks drive growth
Peppa Pig and new stablemate PJ Masks drove an 11% increase in annual profit for Entertainment One as family shows and merchandise made up for weakness at the company’s film division.