Markets
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This week’s UK M&A spanned energy, finance, transport, and more. Consolidation, global investment, and IP expansion defined the landscape, from battery storage to wealth management. Together, the deals highlight the UK’s ongoing role as a hub for cross-border acquisitions.
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Xampla secures $14 million to replace plastics with plant-based alternatives. UK-based Xampla, a University of Cambridge spin-out, raised $14 million to scale its plant-based materials, aiming to replace billions of single-use plastic items over the next five years. The funding will support expansion into Asia Pacific and Europe….
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California issues new guidance for climate risk disclosure regulation. The California Air Resources Board has released a draft checklist to assist companies with revenues over $500 million in preparing reports on climate-related financial risks under SB 261, required by January 1, 2026….
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ECB forecasts digital euro will generate returns for payment providers. The European Central Bank says payment service providers stand to profit from distributing the digital euro, which is nearing the end of its preparation phase. A formal decision on issuing the currency is expected by October.
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Economists urge Bank of England to slow quantitative tightening. Long-term borrowing costs have surged, raising concerns over the UK fiscal outlook and prompting calls for the Bank of England to reconsider its quantitative tightening strategy to avoid further market disruption.
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U.S. President Trump has signed an executive order cutting tariffs. The measure reduces duties on Japanese cars and auto parts to 15%, down from 27.5%, and is tied to a $550 billion Japanese investment pledge. The order implements a July trade agreement and carries retroactive effect.
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Train drivers at CrossCountry have voted to strike on 3 October. The row centres on alleged misuse of grievance and disciplinary procedures, with union leaders accusing management of repeated bad faith. A refusal to work overtime begins 21 September, with a full walkout planned.
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Netflix partners with AFF to purchase carbon credits. The American Forest Foundation and Netflix have signed a 15-year agreement to support the Fields & Forests project, transitioning underused fields in the U.S. South into forests, enhancing carbon capture efforts….
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PFZW alters investment manager lineup, withdrawing €29 billion mandates. The Dutch pension fund PFZW has restructured its investment strategy, focusing on sustainability and active management. This includes not renewing mandates with BlackRock and LGIM, aligning with its Investment Policy 2030….
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UK start-up loan demand rises as PG insurance uptake grows. A growing number of start-ups are securing finance with personal guarantee backed loans, as new data points to increased risk appetite and lender support among early-stage UK businesses.