Retail

Boots faces strategic challenge

12 Dec 2002

CEO Steve Russell may be getting the boot early, having unsuccesfully chased growth. But running the UK chemist for cash isn't that interesting an option either.

Boots faces strategic challenge

12 Dec 2002

Takeovers ignite dowdy UK retailers

6 Dec 2002

All eyes have been turned on the smaller companies, which have been punished by the market since the summer. House of Fraser is only the latest to fall prey. It follows upmarket department store Harvey Nicks and shabbier Allders.

Takeovers ignite dowdy UK retailers

6 Dec 2002

Obesity lawsuits are hopeless cause

3 Dec 2002

It's hard to see how courts can divide the liabilities of junk food producers from the responsibilities of consumers. Still, not to be outdone by creative lawyers, the sell side is making much of the issue. Witness UBS's obesityhedged portfolio.

Obesity lawsuits are hopeless cause

3 Dec 2002

Dixons stamped on by tax change

28 Nov 2002

The UK retailer will start paying tax on some profits from the sale of extended warrantees. The end of this loophole will add £20m to Dixons' tax bill. Other retailers will be affected too.

Dixons stamped on by tax change

28 Nov 2002

Benettons in tricky fund-raising for Autostrade bid

27 Nov 2002

It wouldn t be surprising if prospective lenders drove a hard bargain before committing the cash. Already, the Benettons seem to have backtracked on one part of their plan.

Benettons in tricky fund-raising for Autostrade bid

27 Nov 2002

Ahold needs change of management

19 Nov 2002

The Dutch food retailer needs a fresh approach and ought to consider breaking itself up. It's hard to see how Cees van der Hoeven who built Ahold's wobbly empire over a decade can view the business objectively.

Ahold needs change of management

19 Nov 2002

Diageo chairman becomes Greenhill partner

14 Nov 2002

The move is bound to raise eyebrows given that Diageo is one of the boutique investment bank's best clients. There is clearly a potential conflict of interest here. But it looks like it has been handled appropriately.

Diageo chairman becomes Greenhill partner

14 Nov 2002

Benetton Group ripe for family buyout

13 Nov 2002

The eponymous clothier can be had for a song. Its property and sports business would pay for a buyout of minorities with cash to spare. And once adjusted for disposals, the core clothing business is cheap at just 7 times operating profit.

Benetton Group ripe for family buyout

13 Nov 2002

Numico kicks off fire sale

8 Nov 2002

The Dutch nutrition company will sell Rexall Sundown and other assets while struggling to fix its GNC retail business. There's little margin for error in the restructuring, as the company is already bumping dangerously close to bank covenants.

Numico kicks off fire sale

8 Nov 2002

Puma races ahead of sportswear rivals

6 Nov 2002

Given its growth and fashionable brand, it may be time for Puma to break free of this discount. Thirdquarter sales surged 48% and EPS nearly doubled. Yet Puma still trades at a discount to rivals like AdidasSalomon, Reebok and Nike.

Puma races ahead of sportswear rivals

6 Nov 2002