Indian hotel chain Oyo appoints new UK boss December 10, 2019 Oyo has announced Rishabh Gupta as the new head of its operations in the UK as the fast-growing hotel Indian chain seeks to grow its offering in the country. Gupta will take over from current UK head Jeremy Sanders, who is leaving the company to spend more time with his family. Gupta previously led Oyo’s [...]
Debenhams strengthens board as department store implements rescue plan December 10, 2019 Beleaguered department store Debenhams has appointed the former boss of Argos as a non-executive director in order to strengthen its board as it implements a turnaround plan. John Walden, who was chief executive of Home Retail Group until it sold Argos to Sainsbury’s in 2016 and is currently chairman of Naked Wines, has been appointed [...]
Wetherspoon’s boss Tim Martin says he is concerned about Labour’s plans for the economy December 10, 2019 Wetherspoon’s boss Tim Martin said today that he is concerned about the Labour Party’s plans for the economy. “I’m worried by [Jeremy] Corbyn and [John] McDonnell’s plans. Wetherspoon has thrived in a free market economy under Conservative and Labour governments and the current Labour leadership prefers state ownership and control,” he told Morning Wire A [...]
Turtle Bay’s profit dives in challenging casual dining market December 10, 2019 Caribbean-style restaurant chain Turtle Bay suffered a sharp drop in profit in its last trading period, following a pattern seen across the UK’s casual dining sector. Profit fell from £4.43m last year to £1.39m in the year ended 2 March, as the company grappled with economic uncertainty and rising costs. Read more: Chilango confirms plans [...]
Where Co-op will open 30 new stores before Christmas December 10, 2019 Co-op is aiming to open 30 new stores in the run-up to Christmas, as it invests £25m in sites at transport hubs, residential blocks and key city locations. The new stores are expected to create up to 500 jobs, bringing some festive cheer to the UK retail industry following a challenging year for the high [...]
Domino’s chair steps down after activist fund grabs slice of company December 10, 2019 The chair of Domino’s Pizza is set to step down before the end of the year, following the appointment of an aggressive US hedge fund to the board of the company. The company said today that Stephen Hemsley had decided to step down from the board with effect from 29 December. Senior independent director Ian [...]
Just Eat rejects increased Prosus takeover bid December 10, 2019 Food delivery platform Just Eat has rejected an increased takeover bid from Prosus, saying the offer still “significantly undervalues” the company. In a statement this morning Just Eat said the revised terms of 740p per share, up from 710p per share and which values the delivery platform at £5.1bn, “fails to reflect appropriately the quality” [...]
Ted Baker share price crashes as bosses quit after profit drop December 10, 2019 Ted Baker’s share price plummeted to a 16-year low this morning after two executives quit, plunging the stricken retailer further into crisis as it slashed its profit forecast and suspended its dividend. Shares dropped as much as 35 per cent in morning trading following the departure of chief executive Lindsay Page and executive chairman David [...]
Another dog for Softbank as it sells Wag stake back to company December 10, 2019 Japanese investment giant Softbank has been left with its tail between its legs after selling its stake in Wag back to the dog-walking startup, capping off a disappointing year for its $97bn Vision Fund. Softbank has agreed to sell its almost 50 per cent stake in the company and will no longer have representation on [...]
Watches of Switzerland boosted by luxury watch demand in first half-year results since listing December 10, 2019 Watches of Switzerland said today that strong demand for luxury watches had helped it boost sales and profit in its first half-year results since floating in May. The high-end retailer said revenue grew 17 per cent to £428.7m in the six months to 27 October and adjusted profit before tax was up 112 per cent [...]