WH Smith has issued a profit warning and suspended shareholder payouts as the travel-focused retailer grapples growing travel disruption caused by the Middle East crisis.
US private equity firm Castlelake has agreed to a £5.5bn takeover of easyJet, offering £6.90 per share. The deal, which follows four previous rejections, is seen by analysts as a sign of UK firms being undervalued and bought cheaply by foreign buyers.
Sir Paul Marshall's hedge fund, Marshall Wace, nearly tripled its fossil fuel investments to $2.8bn in Q1 2026, while cutting clean energy investments. Critics accuse Marshall of "cashing in on climate chaos" and using GB News to promote his financial interests.
Sky is acquiring ITV's media and entertainment divisions for £1.6bn, a deal that will keep popular shows like Coronation Street and Love Island free to watch until at least 2034. The takeover aims to create a strong rival to global streaming giants.
BT CEO Allison Kirkby has overseen an 80% share price climb and a £5.6m pay package, but questions linger about her credit for the turnaround. The company is focusing on domestic operations, with plans to cut workforce by 40% and increase savings.
A landmark review by the FCA urges ministers to enhance the City regulator's powers to manage AI risks in financial services. While AI offers benefits like increased accessibility, it also poses risks of fraud, cyber threats, and consumer harm. The review recommends expanding regulatory authority over critical third parties and tech companies.
Axel Springer CEO Mathias Döpfner aims to transform The Daily Telegraph into a global brand, with a primary focus on expanding into the US market. This ambitious plan faces significant financial and strategic challenges in the competitive American media landscape.
