Haleon will shut its toothpaste and mouthwash production site in the U.K. by 2026, resulting in 435 job cuts. Toothpaste production will move to Slovakia, and mouthwash production will be transferred to a third party. Despite the closure, Haleon is investing over 130 million pounds in an oral health research and development facility in Weybridge, maintaining a substantial presence in the U.K. Shares rose by 2% following the announcement.

Haleon will shut its toothpaste and mouthwash production site in the U.K. by 2026, resulting in 435 job cuts. The toothpaste production will be relocated to Slovakia, and mouthwash production will be transferred to an undisclosed third party. Despite the closure, Haleon is investing over 130 million pounds in an oral health research and development facility in Weybridge, maintaining a significant presence in the U.K. Shares rose by 2% following the announcement.

Haleon will shut its toothpaste and mouthwash production site in the U.K. by 2026, resulting in 435 job cuts. The toothpaste production will be relocated to Slovakia, and mouthwash production will be transferred to an undisclosed third party. Despite the closure, Haleon is investing over 130 million pounds in an oral health research and development facility in Weybridge, maintaining a significant presence in the U.K. Shares rose by 2% following the announcement.

Aker Solutions has secured a significant contract from Equinor to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant at the Mongstad refinery in Norway. The project, valued between 2.5 billion and 4.0 billion Norwegian kroner, aims to reduce the environmental impact of the refinery and is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2026.

Unilever, the owner of Dove soap and other consumer brands like Cif and Domestos, reported better-than-expected turnover for the first quarter, driven by higher volumes and its power brands. The Anglo-Dutch retailer maintains its full-year guidance, expecting sales growth of 3% to 5% and a modest improvement in operating margin on an underlying basis.

Reckitt Benckiser experienced a nearly $7 billion drop in market value after an Illinois jury ruled against its infant-formula unit, Mead Johnson, in a case involving the death of a premature baby fed Enfamil. The company's shares fell by almost 15%, and it plans to challenge the verdict, asserting that its products do not cause necrotizing enterocolitis. Market analysts suggest the share price drop may indicate investor concerns about future implications.

Reckitt Benckiser's stock experienced its worst one-day percentage fall, dropping 17% to GBP43.52, after an Illinois jury found its Mead Johnson unit liable in a case involving its infant-formula Enfamil. The jury ordered Mead Johnson to pay $60 million in compensation for the death of a premature baby diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis after being fed Enfamil. Reckitt Benckiser, which also owns brands like Dettol and Durex, plans to challenge the verdict, stating that the science does not support the allegations.

Reckitt Benckiser's market value plummeted by nearly $7 billion following an Illinois jury's verdict against its Enfamil infant formula, resulting in a $60 million compensation order. The company, which also owns brands like Dettol and Durex, strongly disagrees with the decision and plans to challenge it, asserting that their products do not cause necrotizing enterocolitis. The significant share drop suggests investor concerns about potential future impacts.

JD.com, a Beijing-based marketplace, announced it will not make a takeover offer for Currys, ending a bid war shortly after Elliott Advisors (UK) also withdrew. JD.com did not provide further details on its decision. Earlier, Elliott Advisors had stated that Currys rejected multiple negotiation attempts.

JD.com has decided not to make a takeover offer for U.K. electronics retailer Currys, following a similar withdrawal by Elliott Advisors (UK). This news caused Currys's shares to drop over 10% before recovering slightly. Currys's board had previously rejected two offers from Elliott Advisors, considering them to undervalue the company. Elliott's last proposal on February 27 was a cash offer of 67 pence per share, totaling approximately 759.4 million pounds.

Tesco raised its profit guidance for fiscal 2024 after experiencing stronger-than-expected volume growth in the U.K. market during Christmas. The company now expects retail adjusted operating profit to be around GBP2.75 billion, up from a previous range of GBP2.6 billion to GBP2.7 billion. Retail free-cash-flow generation is anticipated to be around GBP2.0 billion. Like-for-like retail sales rose 6.4% in the 19 weeks ended Jan. 6, with a 7.5% increase in the U.K. Tesco's robust market share performance was driven by consistent volume growth, particularly in the fresh food segment. CEO Ken Murphy highlighted the success of offering a full Christmas dinner for GBP2.09 per person, which contributed to record sales and further market share gains.

Tesco upgraded its fiscal 2024 guidance for the second time due to stronger-than-expected volume growth in the U.K. market during Christmas. The company now expects retail adjusted operating profit for fiscal 2024 to be around GBP2.75 billion, up from the previous range of GBP2.6 billion to GBP2.7 billion. Like-for-like retail sales rose 6.4% in the 19 weeks ended Jan. 6, with a 7.5% increase in the U.K. but a 0.3% decline in Central Europe.

Tesco raised its profit guidance for fiscal 2024 after experiencing stronger-than-expected volume growth in the U.K. market during Christmas. The company now expects retail adjusted operating profit to be around GBP2.75 billion, up from a previous range of GBP2.6 billion to GBP2.7 billion. Retail free-cash-flow generation is anticipated to be around GBP2.0 billion. Like-for-like retail sales rose 6.4% in the 19 weeks ended Jan. 6, with a 7.5% increase in the U.K. Tesco's CEO, Ken Murphy, attributed the success to robust market share performance and strong sales in the fresh food segment.

Tesco upgraded its fiscal 2024 guidance for the second time due to stronger-than-expected volume growth in the U.K. market during Christmas. The company now expects retail adjusted operating profit for fiscal 2024 to be around GBP2.75 billion, up from the previous guidance range of GBP2.6 billion to GBP2.7 billion. Like-for-like retail sales rose 6.4% in the 19 weeks ended Jan. 6, with a 7.5% increase in the U.K. and a 0.3% decline in Central Europe.

Tesco raised its profit guidance for fiscal 2024 after experiencing stronger-than-expected volume growth in the U.K. market during Christmas. The company now expects retail adjusted operating profit to be around GBP2.75 billion, up from a previous range of GBP2.6 billion to GBP2.7 billion. Retail free-cash-flow generation is anticipated to be around GBP2.0 billion. Like-for-like retail sales rose 6.4% in the 19 weeks ended Jan. 6, with a 7.5% increase in the U.K. Tesco's robust market share performance was driven by consistent volume growth and strength in the fresh food segment. CEO Ken Murphy highlighted the company's success in offering affordable Christmas dinners, contributing to record sales and market share gains.

Tesco upgraded its fiscal 2024 guidance for the second time due to stronger-than-expected volume growth in the U.K. market during Christmas. The company now expects retail adjusted operating profit for fiscal 2024 to be around GBP2.75 billion, up from the previous guidance range of GBP2.6 billion to GBP2.7 billion. Like-for-like retail sales rose 6.4% in the 19 weeks ended Jan. 6, with a 7.5% increase in the U.K. but a 0.3% decline in Central Europe.

U.K. retail stores experienced a 5.0% decrease in footfall during the five weeks ending December 30, compared to the previous year, influenced by heavy rain. The decline was reported by the British Retail Consortium and Sensormatic Solutions IQ Footfall Monitor. December's wet conditions, alongside reduced consumer confidence and spending caution, contributed to the drop, with shopping centers hit hardest at a 7.4% decline. Despite a week-on-week increase in footfall of 39.2% on Boxing Day, the anticipated Christmas trading rush did not materialize. Retail consultant Andy Sumpter suggests retailers are looking forward to improved demand as inflation eases.

U.K. retail stores experienced a 5.0% decrease in footfall during the five weeks ending December 30, compared to the previous year, as reported by the British Retail Consortium and Sensormatic Solutions. The decline was attributed to heavy rain and reduced consumer confidence. Despite a week-on-week increase in footfall on Boxing Day, shopping centers saw the largest drop at 7.4%, with high streets and retail parks also seeing declines. Retail consultant Andy Sumpter noted the impact of the weather and economic conditions on the disappointing footfall figures and expressed hope for improved demand as inflation eases.

Retail footfall in the U.K. decreased by 5.0% in December compared to the previous year, influenced by heavy rainfall and low consumer confidence. Shopping centers experienced the largest decline in visits, followed by high streets and retail parks. Despite some peaks in shopper traffic during discounting days, overall store visits were down, disappointing retailers. Experts hope for improved demand as inflation eases.

A.P. Moeller-Maersk has suspended all transit through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden indefinitely after the attack on its vessel, Maersk Hangzhou, on December 30. The company is rerouting some ships to travel around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa while the investigation of the incident continues.

A.P. Moeller-Maersk has suspended all transit through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden indefinitely after the Maersk Hangzhou was attacked on December 30. The U.S. reported that the vessel was targeted by missiles and small boats, which were engaged by U.S. Navy helicopters, resulting in the sinking of three boats and the death of their crews. The Houthis, an Iranian-backed group in Yemen, claimed responsibility for the attack. Hapag-Lloyd also announced it would reroute its vessels until at least January 9 due to the recent attacks.

Danish shipping giant A.P. Moeller-Maersk has halted all transit through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden following an attack on its vessel Maersk Hangzhou. The incident, involving missile fire and an attempted boarding by boats controlled by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebel group, prompted a U.S. Navy response that resulted in the sinking of three boats and the death of their crews. Hapag-Lloyd has also rerouted its vessels around the Cape of Good Hope in response to the attacks.

Unilever has agreed to acquire the premium haircare brand K18 as part of its strategy to optimize its portfolio towards higher growth areas. The acquisition, expected to complete in the first quarter of 2024, aligns with Unilever's focus on beauty and biotechnology. K18's products, which address hair damage, are primarily sold in North America, the U.K., and Australia.

Unilever has agreed to acquire the premium haircare brand K18 as part of its strategy to optimize its portfolio towards higher growth areas. The acquisition, expected to complete in the first quarter of 2024, aligns with Unilever's focus on beauty and biotechnology. K18's products, which address hair damage, are primarily sold in North America, the U.K., and Australia.

Amazon Content Services has secured exclusive rights to develop movies and television series based on Games Workshop's Warhammer 40,000 universe. The deal, which includes potential rights to the Warhammer Fantasy universe, marks a significant partnership between the U.S. company and the U.K. game maker. While the collaboration aims to bring the Warhammer universe to the screen, it may take several years before any content is released. The success of this venture hinges on Amazon's ability to faithfully adapt the IP, with potential reputational risks for Games Workshop if the final product fails to meet fan expectations.

Amazon Content Services has secured exclusive rights to develop movies and television series based on Games Workshop's Warhammer 40,000 universe. The deal, which includes potential rights to the Warhammer Fantasy universe, will see both companies working together for a year to establish guidelines for the content. While the project is expected to take two to three years to materialize, there are concerns about the potential reputational risks if the final product fails to meet fan expectations.

Amazon Content Services has secured exclusive rights to develop movies and television series based on Games Workshop's Warhammer 40,000 game. The deal, which includes potential rights to the Warhammer Fantasy universe, marks a significant expansion for the U.K. company. British actor Henry Cavill will serve as executive producer, though content development is expected to take two to three years. The Warhammer franchise is particularly popular in the U.K., Europe, and North America, with substantial regional sales.

Amazon Content Services has secured an agreement with Games Workshop Group to create movies and TV series based on the Warhammer 40,000 game. The deal grants Amazon exclusive rights to the Warhammer 40,000 universe, with plans to establish guidelines for the adaptations over the next year. The Warhammer franchise is notably popular in the UK, Europe, and North America. Henry Cavill will lead the project as executive producer, although Games Workshop cautions that it may take several years before any content is released.

Amazon Content Services has secured exclusive rights to develop movies and television series based on Games Workshop's Warhammer 40,000 game. The deal, which includes potential rights to the Warhammer Fantasy universe, follows a year of negotiations. British actor Henry Cavill will serve as executive producer for the project. Games Workshop cautions that content development may take two to three years.

Amazon Content Services has reached an agreement with Games Workshop Group to create movies and TV series based on the Warhammer 40,000 game. The deal grants Amazon exclusive rights to the Warhammer 40,000 universe, with plans to develop a set of guidelines for the adaptations over the next year. Games Workshop has cautioned that it may take several years before any content is released and highlighted the risk of reputational damage if the adaptations do not meet fan expectations. A team of screenwriters is being assembled for the project.

A.P. Moller-Maersk has suspended all shipping through the Red Sea following a series of attacks on vessels, including a near-miss involving their Maersk Gibraltar ship. The heightened security risks in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, attributed to recent actions by Yemen's Houthi forces, have raised serious concerns for the safety of seafarers in the region.

A.P. Moller-Maersk has suspended all shipping through the Red Sea following a series of attacks on vessels, including a near-miss involving their Maersk Gibraltar ship. The company expressed deep concern over the escalated security situation and the threat to seafarers' safety. The attacks have been attributed to Yemen's Houthi forces.

Heineken has nominated Dolf van den Brink for reappointment as CEO for a four-year term starting June 1, 2024. The nomination will be voted on by shareholders at the annual general meeting on April 25, 2024. Van den Brink has been CEO since June 2020.

Heineken has nominated Dolf van den Brink for reappointment as CEO for a four-year term starting June 1, 2024. The nomination will be voted on by shareholders at the annual general meeting on April 25, 2024. Van den Brink has been CEO since June 2020.

Tesco has raised its profit guidance for the second time this fiscal year following stronger-than-expected volume growth in the U.K. market during Christmas. The company now expects retail adjusted operating profit for fiscal 2024 to be around GBP2.75 billion, up from a previous range of GBP2.6 billion to GBP2.7 billion, and compared to GBP2.49 billion in fiscal 2023.

Ocado Group anticipates further revenue growth in fiscal 2024, driven by volume increases following a record Christmas performance. The company projects revenue growth for the year ending November 26 to be in the middle-to-high single digits.

Pandora reported that its full-year performance exceeded guidance, driven by strong profitability in the fourth quarter and robust sales during Black Friday and Christmas. The Danish jeweler achieved 8% organic growth for 2023, surpassing its guidance range of 5% to 6%, and maintained an earnings before interest and taxes margin of 25%, in line with its guidance.

Burberry has reduced its financial guidance for fiscal 2024, citing a slowdown in global luxury demand during December's key trading period. The company now expects adjusted operating profit to be between 410 million and 460 million pounds for the year ending March 30.

J Sainsbury backed its guidance for fiscal 2024 after reporting robust growth in grocery sales during the Christmas period. The British grocer expects underlying pretax profit of between 670 million pounds and 700 million pounds ($851.6 million and $889.8 million).

Reckitt Benckiser's shares dropped 17% to GBP 43.52, marking its worst one-day percentage fall, after an Illinois jury found its Mead Johnson unit liable in a case involving its infant-formula Enfamil. The plaintiff's case was related to the death of a premature baby who developed necrotizing enterocolitis after being fed Enfamil. Reckitt Benckiser, which also owns brands like Dettol and Durex, acquired Mead Johnson in June 2017 and plans to challenge the $60 million compensation verdict. Analyst Susannah Streeter commented that the share price movement might indicate investor concern for potential future implications.

Retail sales growth in the U.K. weakened during December, a key trading period, as consumers reduced spending due to high living costs. The British Retail Consortium reported a 1.7% increase in total retail sales for the five weeks to Dec. 30, down from 2.7% in the previous month and below the three-month average of 2.3% growth. This performance was also significantly lower than the 6.9% growth seen in December of the previous year.