Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Business week in review

Saturday 31 August 2013 14:51 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

In profit...

Foxtons chief executive Michael Brown enjoyed a gloriously sunny Bank Holiday weekend as he prepared to announce the aggressive estate agent's flotation on Tuesday. Management could see their 20 per cent stake valued at up to £100m, as Foxtons is expected to sell shares for a full price following the biggest rise in house prices in July since 2006.

On Wednesday, Chime Communications boss Chris Satterthwaite said the 2014 World Cup in Brazil could be worth $1.5bn (£967m) in sponsorship. Around 50 per cent of the marketing group's profit comes from sport in big event years.

Andrew Page, the head of Frankie & Benny's owner The Restaurant Group, hailed a "corker" of a year so far on Friday.

...at a loss

Michael O'Leary is always good for a rant when things don't go his way and Wednesday proved to be no different as he attacked the "bizarre and manifestly unsound ruling" from the Competition Commission to sell down Ryanair's almost 30 per cent stake in Aer Lingus to just 5 per cent. Mr O'Leary added that the inquiry was "yet another enormous waste of taxpayer resources".

Also on Wednesday, publisher Johnston Press admitted "material uncertainty" over its future. Chief executive Ashley Highfield, though, insisted only "a worst-case tsunami" would threaten the group.

Zurich Insurance chairman Josef Ackermann resigned on Thursday, days after the suicide of the com-pany's finance director.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in