Market Pulse
Laura Ashley issues profit warning as interim profit drops
Laura Ashley reported a drop in pre-tax profit for the 26 weeks to the end of December, as it warned that profit for the year will fall below market expectations due to continued market challenges.
Wizz Air to open first UK airport base operation at Luton
Eastern European budget airline Wizz Air is to open its first UK airport base operation at Luton airport in June, creating over 30 direct jobs.
Drax pleased with operations despite earnings plunge
Electricity generation company Drax Group posted its preliminary results for the 2016 calendar year on Thursday, reporting a “good operational performance”, with 65% of electricity generated from renewable biomass during the year and progress made with its strategic initiatives.
Watchstone's Hubio files claims against Aviva Canada
Watchstone’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Canada’s Hubio Solutions, has issued a claim in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice against Aviva Canada in respect of breach of contract and unpaid amounts due under an agreement made in October 2014.
Coca-Cola HBC profits fizz as further efficiencies uncorked
Drinks bottler Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company upped its dividend 10% after a calendar year that saw flat volumes and a dip in sales due to currency but much improved profits thanks to improved costs and efficiencies.
Electra gets £104m from AXIO sale of OAG
Epiris, the portfolio manager of buyout fund Electra Private Equity, said its portfolio company AXIO Group has sold aviation intelligence group OAG, to funds managed by Vitruvian Partners for around $215m.
London pre-open: Stocks to edge lower despite US gains
London stocks were set to edge a little lower at the open despite stocks on Wall Street closing at records for a fifth straight session on Wednesday.
Vectura's GSK royalties agreements firing on all cylinders
Vectura Group hit its royalty cap on sales of GlaxoSmithKline´s Ellipta range of products in 2016, one year ahead of forecasts.
Thursday newspaper round-up: Debenhams, Amazon, Tata Steel
High street retailer Debenhams has been "named and shamed" as the worst offender in the Government's biggest ever list of companies that have paid their staff below the national minimum and living wage. The department store chain has been found to have failed to pay £134,894. 83 to some 11,858 workers in a move that will heighten tensions around retailers and the rising costs of the living wage. – Telegraph.