ValueAct urges Merlin Entertainments (MERL) to go private. Activist group sends open letter to chairman of theme park owner to initiate discussions
Lombard – Marks & Spencer Group (MKS) £600m rights issue is more like a Lidl offer. Fundraising for Ocado venture will not deliver a profiterole or a profit for a while
Lex – Babcock International Group (BAB)/defence: stock stress monster. Submerged shares will eventually have to rise
Marks & Spencer Group (MKS) profits dented by turnround costs. Retailer to launch deeply-discounted rights issue to fund Ocado deal
Superdry (SDRY) names interim financial head as it overhauls board. Nick Gresham’s appointment comes after boardroom tussle and profit warning
Babcock International Group (BAB) operating profit drops 47%. Costs take toll on defence contractor and shares fall nearly 10%
SSE (SSE) aims to offload retail energy business by second half of 2020. Group appoints separate board for unit as it pushes ahead with divestment
Royal Mail (RMG) cuts dividend as it invests £1.8bn. Investors welcome strategy to increase more parcel deliveries despite payout setback
IG Group Holdings (IGG) lays out new growth strategy as EU rules hit profits. Markets have welcomed plans to focus on more tailored products and to expand in Asia and the US