-
UK banks are backing a new domestic payments infrastructure company. The Payments Delivery Company has opened an equity raise reported to target around £50m from banks and other eligible industry participants.
-
Co-op’s Southern deal faces deeper scrutiny from competition regulators now. The CMA says the completed transaction may reduce competition and will require remedies or an in-depth Phase 2 investigation.
-
UK Finance wants corporate reporting simplified as disclosure burdens grow. FTSE 100 annual reports have expanded 27% since 2019, prompting proposals to remove duplication and move static information online.
-
Hain Celestial is selling its international business to private equity. Aurelius will pay an estimated $323m for an operation containing several major UK food brands, subject to financing and regulatory conditions.
-
Sazerac has completed its acquisition of Swansea-founded spirits brand Au. Terms remain undisclosed, although the vodka and ready-to-drink business has reportedly been valued at more than £300m.
-
Private equity bidders are circling specialist UK lender Aldermore Bank. CVC and JC Flowers have joined the field as FirstRand seeks an exit amid substantial UK motor-finance redress exposure.
-
Vista explores strategic options for London-headquartered financial software provider Finastra. A full sale, partial disposal, or industry combination is under consideration, with valuation estimates reaching as high as $12bn.
-
More than 120 organisations want electricity levies shifted into taxation. The coalition says moving policy costs to the Exchequer could cut business electricity prices by up to 20% and support investment.
-
Ørsted has secured favourable guidance in a decade-long tax dispute. An arbitration opinion supports UK taxation of profits linked to Walney Extension and Hornsea 1 and could influence several related offshore wind cases.
-
Oakley Capital Investments grew NAV despite weak listed-share performance overall. The portfolio returned 6% in the first half while shareholder returns fell 16%, keeping the investment company’s market discount firmly on the board agenda.