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A narrow EU exemption could unblock UniCredit’s long-stalled Alfa transaction. The move may help the Italian lender deal with historic obligations while keeping Russia sanctions controls intact.
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Chinese EV imports are testing the UK’s transition strategy. Stellantis has warned that the ZEV mandate is creating commercial strain as lower-cost rivals gain ground.
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Europe’s latest Russia package extends sanctions deeper into crypto markets. HTX has been identified among platforms affected by new EU restrictions, as Brussels widens scrutiny of digital assets, offshore channels, and sanctions evasion.
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JD.com’s Ceconomy bid has become a test of Brussels scrutiny. EU regulators have formally raised concerns under foreign subsidy rules, putting a major European electronics retail transaction under sharper political and competition-law pressure.
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Google’s DMA penalties have widened into a transatlantic trade dispute. Brussels has fined the company €890m over search and app-store practices, while US tariff threats have pushed Europe’s platform enforcement regime into a wider trade-policy confrontation.
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UK femtech investment has grown, but regional gaps persist sharply. Mills & Reeve research shows deal activity rising over the past decade while northern regions remain underrepresented.
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Tesco is widening rapid grocery delivery through marketplace partnerships now. The supermarket is adding Deliveroo and Uber Eats while extending Clubcard prices and points to app-based customers.
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Small businesses face fresh reforms on payment, tax, and regulation. The government’s latest plan update covers late payment, e-invoicing, tax simplification, and finance access as SMEs continue to manage cash pressure.
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Regional business confidence has slipped as geopolitical shocks hit operations. ICAEW says confidence fell across most UK nations and regions in Q2, with inflation, energy costs, and sales pressure weighing on decision-making.
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Manufacturers face weaker orders while cost pressure keeps intensifying again. The CBI says July brought faster cost growth, falling output, and another expected decline in employment.