Finance & Risk
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UK watchdog to investigate Deloitte’s audits of Glencore. The Financial Reporting Council is examining whether the firm missed red flags around bribery at the miner-trader, whose 2022 guilty pleas triggered record UK penalties. The case adds pressure to the Big Four ahead of incoming audit reform.
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Ambienta acquires Agronova Biotech, marking its first sustainable agriculture investment. The acquisition positions Ambienta to leverage growth opportunities in the biosolutions market, valued at $21 billion, driven by environmental issues and a shift from chemical solutions to biological alternatives….
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British Business Bank has returned to profit with £144 million. The state-owned lender facilitated £6.8 billion in SME finance last year, aided by stronger venture valuations, increased guarantee demand, and a Treasury capital boost to £25.6 billion.
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Compass Group has acquired Vermaat in a €1.5bn cash deal. The acquisition boosts European exposure, lifts guidance, and signals continued sector consolidation in premium food services.
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The UK introduces a new AI audit standard. The British Standards Institution has launched the world’s first international certification standard for AI assurance, creating new benchmarks for independence, rigour, and global governance.
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The UK government revives the Pensions Commission to address retirement poverty. Ministers are concerned that future retirees may face greater financial challenges than current pensioners. The commission will explore solutions to improve savings and retirement conditions for today’s workforce.
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LSEG is considering a 24-hour stock-trading model for London. The exchange has begun early-stage talks on extending SETS and dark-pool equities trading far beyond its current 08:00–16:30 window. Brokers say a discussion paper could emerge by late 2025 — potentially reshaping UK share trading for the first time in over 50 years.
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Chevron’s $55bn Hess close led this week’s US dealflow. A surge of high-value US transactions defined the week, from Chevron’s landmark offshore energy win to Walgreens’ historic exit from public markets and a string of debt-financed acquisitions spanning healthcare, energy, and real estate.
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BP sells its onshore wind business to LS Power. The agreement is part of BP’s strategy to refocus on oil and gas. The sale includes 10 wind assets in the U.S. with a net capacity of 1.3 GW….
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A decisive week for UK M&A activity, marked by global buyers. Four out of five headline deals this week involved foreign acquirers or sponsors, reinforcing perceptions of UK-listed value and highlighting continued regulatory pragmatism.