Lombard – HSBC Holdings (HSBA) 10,000 job cuts are a logical answer. Reports that interim boss is reviewing future of equities business make sense
Lex – Sophos Group (SOPH)/Thoma Bravo: cable tie. US buyer’s offer is attractive and UK fears of losing local tech expertise are overdone
US private equity group to buy Sophos Group (SOPH) for $3.9bn. Software-focused buyout firm Thoma Bravo agrees latest in series of deals
Ashmore Group (ASHM) shrugs off volatile emerging markets. $2.3bn investment loss offset by new business at emerging market specialist
Neptune Energy strikes $250m deal for Edison’s North Sea assets. Energean Oil and Gas (ENOG) to sell Italian group’s Norwegian and UK projects once it completes purchase
Superdry (SDRY) co-founder to remain as chief until 2021. Julian Dunkerton hopes to revive brand as board extends his period in top job
HSBC Holdings (HSBA) plans First Direct relaunch to compete with digital rivals. New features could include in-app marketplace and automated savings top-ups
