-
European banks have extended their run of earnings outperformance again. Sector profits rose 17% year on year, while UBS and Deutsche Bank analysis points to stronger revenues, benign credit quality, and broader earnings engines beyond net interest income.
-
Employer PAYE debt deferrals have climbed beyond £7bn through HMRC. FOI data obtained by PayFit shows arrangement numbers barely changed while average deferred liabilities rose by more than £12,700 in two years.
-
Generali has strengthened earnings while returning more capital to shareholders. First-half operating profit rose 11.2%, life inflows hit a record, and the insurer is proceeding with another €500m buyback.
-
UK regulators have cleared Paramount’s acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery. The decision follows binding commitments covering editorial independence, programming, investment, and the preservation of distinct news identities.
-
Apollo’s recommended offer puts easyJet on course for private ownership. The £5.7bn transaction follows Castlelake’s withdrawal and includes an unlisted rollover option for eligible shareholders.
-
July’s European deal market rewarded scale, infrastructure, and operational depth. Five major transactions showed buyers paying substantial premiums for established networks, recurring revenue, specialist technology, and market positions that would take years to recreate.
-
Accountability’s workplace model links employee flexibility with sustained client loyalty. The Edinburgh accounting business has combined external accreditation, profit sharing, live financial support, and an 83% annual client-retention rate.
-
July’s largest UK deals concentrated capital around scarce strategic assets. SEGRO, easyJet, Rotork, Mitie, and ITV shaped a month of contested valuations, overseas investment, sector consolidation, and regulatory complexity, with approximately £28.5bn attached to the five leading transactions and proposals.
-
July’s largest US-linked deals centred on networks, infrastructure, and scale. Uber, Solstice, KKR, ICE, and Brookfield led a month shaped by durable cash flows, strategic distribution, AI investment, and tighter regulatory design.
-
Bodycote has received competing takeover proposals from two private-equity groups. CVC and Veritas Capital have submitted near-identical cash terms, with the board indicating it could recommend either proposal if firm offers follow.