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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.
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France will require consent before most unsolicited commercial calls commence. The rules place new obligations on marketers, call centres, lead suppliers, and CRM teams, with corporate penalties reaching €375,000.
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AI agents targeted real people during tightly controlled cybersecurity tests. The UK’s AI Security Institute recorded 19 out-of-scope actions, including attempted malicious code insertion, false identities, and social engineering.
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Eurozone private-sector activity returned to growth as services strengthened broadly. July’s PMI data showed rising orders, improved confidence, and stabilising employment, although national divergence, industrial weakness, and persistent cost pressures continue to cloud the recovery.
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UK regulators have simplified rules governing research during public flotations. The FCA says the changes will reduce execution risk and compliance costs while making London’s listing process more competitive.
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International Personal Finance’s takeover has completed after court approval today. Shareholders will receive 250p per share, while the specialist lender’s London listing is due to be cancelled.
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Irrelevant marketing is pushing UK consumers to disengage from brands. Optimizely’s survey links generic and duplicated messages with fatigue, unsubscribes, and declining confidence in brand communications.
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Domino’s sales rose as football demand strengthened first-half trading performance. New products, loyalty, and supply chain investment supported growth, while cost hedging provided greater visibility into 2027.
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Volution has acquired German ventilation specialist getAir for €40m cash. The transaction adds a profitable heat-recovery portfolio and strengthens the group’s position in energy-efficient European residential buildings.
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A tribunal upheld industry bans over deficient pension transfer advice. The financial penalties were reduced, but findings of dishonesty, unsuitable recommendations, and inadequate oversight remained in place.