British Airways A380 cabins and investment
The cabin refit sits within a wider service and engineering programme.
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Business
Companies, retail, industry, management and entrepreneurship.
Fuel Finder on Google Maps: when price transparency becomes useful competition
Fuel Finder brings reported pump prices to Google Maps. The test is whether timely, comparable information helps drivers and strengthens competition.
Where microfactories fit the production system
Microfactory suitability depends on the complete production route, not just the speed of a demonstration cycle.
Mesabi Metallics outlines an Iowa steel complex plan
Mesabi Metallics outlines linked Iowa and Minnesota investment plans, keeping future production and jobs distinct from current results.
Paramount Settles Lawsuit With US States, Clearing Way for $110bn Warner Bros Merger
Paramount Skydance settled a lawsuit led by California with a dozen US states, removing one of the final hurdles to its $110bn (£82.8bn) merger with Warner Bros Discovery. The agreement includes a quota of at least 30 films a year, US production percentages, an editorial independence board for CBS News and CNN, and a $17.5m payment into the Writers Guild of America health fund.
Gen Z turns against private equity's restaurant takeover: what the Los Tacos No 1 backlash reveals about the battle for American dining
When beloved New York taqueria Los Tacos No 1 accepted undisclosed funding from private equity firm TSG Consumer in September 2026, social media declared it 'the beginning of the end'. The backlash, amplified by TikTok lists of restaurants to avoid, exposes a deeper collision: an industry where PE firms invested $94.5bn between 2014 and 2024, where almost half of 2024 restaurant bankruptcies were PE-backed, and where a younger generation of consumers now treats ownership structure as a quality signal.
Can Fish and Chip Shops Survive? The Economics Behind Britain's Fading Chippy
Soaring fish prices, shrinking quotas, VAT and labour costs, and changing consumer tastes are squeezing Britain's fish and chip shops, with about a fifth of owners planning to quit within a year. Yet a new generation of owners is reinventing the trade — raising the question of whether the better shops can survive while the rest disappear.
Airbus Hands Over First A320neo From Second Tianjin Assembly Line
The European planemaker delivered the first aircraft from its second final assembly line in Tianjin to China Eastern Airlines, a step toward 75 A320-family jets a month.
Amazon Obtains Right to Buy Up to $340 Million of Generac Stock
Amazon was granted warrants to buy up to about 1.69 million Generac shares worth roughly $340 million, tied to an up-to-$8 billion deal for backup power generators for its data centres; Generac shares jumped more than 40 per cent.
Clearlake Capital Takes Full Control of Chelsea Football Club as Boehly and Walter Sell Their Stakes
Clearlake Capital, the majority owner of Chelsea Football Club since 2022, has acquired the remaining stakes held by chairman Todd Boehly and Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter, taking full control of the club. According to a report by the Financial Times cited by CNBC, Boehly and Walter will receive a combined £950 million (about $1.27 billion), valuing the club at £5 billion. Boehly is stepping down as chairman, while Chelsea said there will be no changes to day-to-day operations, leadership or strategy.
Notice: Salesforce Sets Fiscal 2030 Revenue Target Above $63 Billion
At its Dreamforce event the software vendor forecast fiscal 2030 revenue of over $63 billion, above analysts' estimates, as it leans into AI partnerships and buybacks.
Notice: Amazon Pauses Operations With Cargo Carrier 21 Air After Miami Crash
The e-commerce group said it is suspending work with the operator of a cargo jet involved in a fatal crash in Miami, while supporting the ongoing investigation.
UAE to Invest $46 Billion in Germany Across Energy, Defence and Digital Sectors
The United Arab Emirates has decided to invest $46 billion in various sectors of the German economy, from artificial intelligence to energy and defence, to deepen its strategic partnership in Europe, Bloomberg reported. About $10 billion is earmarked for Bavaria, and UAE Foreign Trade Minister Thani Al Zeyoudi said the commitment is 'only the beginning'.
Spire Healthcare Agrees £1.03bn Take-Private by Toscafund-Led Investor Group
Britain's biggest private hospital operator will be taken private in a £1.03bn deal at 250p per share led by Toscafund Asset Management, ending a year-long strategic review of the FTSE 250 company.
Europe's Factory Floor Is Quietly Changing Hands: Why the Fight Over Supply Chains Decides the Fate of 300,000 Jobs
Eurometal, the leading European metals trade body, warns that EU manufacturing could lose 300,000 jobs in the rest of 2026 as Chinese component makers embed themselves in industrial supply chains. With a record €1bn-a-day trade surplus against the bloc and a €360bn annual imbalance, the pressure is forcing Brussels to weigh tariffs, talks and the real cost of carbon pricing for energy-intensive plants.
Volkswagen Confirms 100,000 Job Cuts by 2030 in the Auto Sector's Biggest Ever Restructure
Volkswagen has approved plans to shed 100,000 jobs — about 15% of its more than 650,000-strong workforce — as it faces fierce competition from Chinese rivals, falling sales in China and hefty US tariffs. After the latest round of talks the carmaker announced a further 50,000 cuts and agreed a staggered end to current production at four German plants between 2031 and 2034, while halving its model line in what is described as the largest restructuring ever carried out in the global automotive industry.
Notice: SMIC Clears Final Regulatory Hurdle for US$6 Billion Takeover of Beijing Foundry Unit SMNC
China's largest wafer foundry SMIC won securities regulator approval to issue 547.2 million A-shares for the remaining 49 per cent stake in its Beijing unit SMNC, valuing the stake at 40.6 billion yuan (US$5.97 billion). Upon completion, SMNC becomes a wholly owned subsidiary in what could be the largest merger and restructuring deal on Shanghai's STAR Market.
Notice: Takeda Pharmaceutical to Cut 400 US Jobs in Overhaul Ahead of First Female CEO Taking Charge
Takeda Pharmaceutical announced in March 2026 that it will cut 400 jobs in its US operations as part of a broader restructuring ahead of a June 2026 leadership change, when Julie Kim becomes the company's first female CEO. The overhaul includes $230 million investment in new production facilities at a Los Angeles plant and a refocus on blood products and priority therapeutic areas.
Notice: Kraft Heinz Pauses Planned Split as New CEO Cahillane Pledges $600 Million Turnaround
Kraft Heinz announced on 11 February 2026 that it is pausing work on its previously planned split into two separately traded companies, reversing the September 2025 breakup announcement. New CEO Steve Cahillane, who joined in January, said many issues are 'fixable and within our control' and pledged a $600 million investment in marketing, sales and R&D to revive the US business. Berkshire Hathaway's Greg Abel expressed support for the decision.
Notice: BP Names Meg O'Neill as First Female Chief Executive of a Global Oil Major
BP appointed Woodside Energy chief Meg O'Neill as its first female and first externally recruited chief executive; Murray Auchincloss steps down after less than two years as the company refocuses on oil and gas.
Nvidia becomes the world's first $5 trillion company
The Silicon Valley chipmaker reached a market value above $5tn, exceeding the GDP of India, Japan and the United Kingdom, just three months after becoming the first company to break through $4tn. The milestone follows $500bn in disclosed chip orders, new partnerships with Uber and Nokia, and a $100bn investment in OpenAI.
The £235m Bill for Saving British Steel: What the Scunthorpe Rescue Says About the Return of the State
The UK government's takeover of British Steel has now cost taxpayers £235m, on top of £604m spent keeping the Scunthorpe works alive in 2019-20. With the plant reportedly losing £700,000 a day under Chinese owner Jingye, ministers are betting that higher output can restore profitability — even as a threatened 50% EU steel tariff looms over a sector that sends 78% of its exports to the bloc. The rescue is a test case for state intervention in heavy industry.
Nestlé Cuts 16,000 Jobs as New CEO Navratil Accelerates the Turnaround — and Investors Applaud
Nestlé will cut 12,000 white-collar jobs and a further 4,000 roles over two years as new chief executive Philipp Navratil raises the cost-savings target to 3 billion Swiss francs by end-2027; better-than-expected third-quarter organic growth of 4.3% and a return of real internal growth to positive territory sent the shares up 9.3%.
Notice: GSK Chief Executive Emma Walmsley to Step Down After Eight Years, Luke Miels Named Successor
GSK, Britain's second-biggest pharmaceutical company, announced on 29 September 2025 that chief executive Dame Emma Walmsley would step down after eight years in the role. Chief commercial officer Luke Miels was named as her successor, inheriting a company that has been refocused on specialty medicines and vaccines under Walmsley's leadership.
Kraft Heinz to split into two companies a decade after merger
Kraft Heinz announced a tax-free spin-off into two independent, publicly traded companies — Global Taste Elevation Co and North American Grocery Co — with completion expected in the second half of 2026.
Russia Orders New Support Measures for Metallurgy and Coal Industries
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak instructed the Industry and Trade Ministry, the Finance Ministry and the Economic Development Ministry to work through initiatives of the largest companies and prepare support measures for Russia's metallurgical and coal industries, the cabinet press service said after an August 28 subcommission meeting on the stability of the financial sector and individual sectors of the economy.
Notice: Seven & i Holdings Eyes $13.6 Billion Overseas Expansion Under New CEO, Including Europe Foray and South America Debut
Seven & i Holdings, the Japanese parent of the 7-Eleven convenience store chain, is considering spending roughly 2 trillion yen ($13.6 billion) over the next several years on an overseas expansion that would include a new foray into Europe and a debut in South America, Nikkei Asia reported on 28 August 2025. The plan was outlined by Stephen Hayes Dacus, who became CEO of the group in May, in an interview with Nikkei.
Notice: Intel Beats on Q2 Revenue as CEO Lip-Bu Tan Slashes Foundry Investment — ‘No More Blank Checks’
Intel reported second-quarter 2025 revenue of $12.86 billion, above the $11.92 billion analysts expected, as new chief executive Lip-Bu Tan announced sweeping cuts to chip-factory construction, cancelled planned fabs in Germany and Poland, and said the company has completed the majority of its planned 15% workforce reduction, aiming to end the year with about 75,000 employees.
Notice: Couche-Tard Withdraws $47 Billion Bid for Seven & i Holdings, Ending Year-Long Pursuit of 7-Eleven Owner
Canadian convenience store giant Alimentation Couche-Tard withdrew its approximately $47 billion takeover bid for Japan's Seven & i Holdings on 17 July 2025, citing a 'lack of engagement' from the target's board. The collapse of the year-long pursuit was seen as a litmus test for foreign M&A in corporate Japan and sent signals to activist investors about the limits of cross-border dealmaking.
Notice: Nippon Steel Completes $14.9 Billion Acquisition of US Steel with Golden Share for Washington
Nippon Steel completed its $14.9 billion acquisition of United States Steel Corporation on 18 June 2025, ending an 18-month battle that drew political opposition from both major US parties. The deal includes a 'golden share' for the US government and a commitment to invest $11 billion through 2028 in American steelmaking capacity.
The GENIUS Act Gives Stablecoins a Federal Rulebook — and Puts the Payment Rails on Notice
The US Senate passed the GENIUS Act, the first federal framework for dollar-pegged stablecoins, opening issuance to banks, fintechs and retailers and threatening the Visa-Mastercard duopoly that moves most of the world's payments. With Treasury projecting the market could grow eightfold to over $2 trillion and JPMorgan already launching a deposit token, the law begins a long rewire of how value moves — and of who profits from it.
Google to Acquire Cloud Security Startup Wiz for $32 Billion in Its Largest Deal Ever
Google signed a definitive agreement to buy New York-based cloud security startup Wiz for $32 billion in an all-cash deal — its largest acquisition ever, topping the $12.5 billion Motorola purchase of 2012. Wiz, which walked away from a $23 billion offer in 2024, will join Google Cloud; closing is expected in 2026.
Notice: Intel Appoints Lip-Bu Tan as Chief Executive to Lead Turnaround
The chipmaker named semiconductor veteran Lip-Bu Tan as its fourth permanent chief executive in seven years; shares jumped about 12% after the announcement.
Nissan and Honda end $60bn merger talks
The boards of Nissan and Honda voted on 13 February 2025 to end merger talks that would have created a $60bn auto group, which would have been the world's fourth-biggest carmaker by vehicle sales. The two Japanese companies said they will continue to cooperate on electric vehicles.
Notice: UK Government Approves Daniel Křetínský's Historic Takeover of Royal Mail Owner IDS
In December 2024 the UK government approved the historic takeover of Royal Mail's parent company, International Distribution Services, by Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský, with five-year undertakings covering asset sales, dividends, the £1bn pension surplus and net zero, plus a permanent UK headquarters and tax residence.
Notice: Vodafone Wins Approval for £16.5bn Merger With Three UK
The UK regulator cleared the £16.5 billion Vodafone–Three merger, creating the country's largest mobile operator with more than 27 million subscribers, subject to binding commitments including £11 billion of network investment.
Notice: Barratt and Redrow £2.5bn Housebuilder Merger Cleared After CMA Monopoly Probe
The UK Competition and Markets Authority approved the £2.5bn merger of housebuilders Barratt and Redrow on 4 October 2024, after the companies agreed that homes at two overlapping developments near Whitchurch and Nantwich will be sold by independent agent Savills under a monitored undertaking.
Notice: Nike CEO John Donahoe Steps Down as Veteran Elliott Hill Returns to Lead World's Biggest Sportswear Company
Nike announced on 19 September 2024 that CEO John Donahoe would retire on 13 October, to be replaced by company veteran Elliott Hill, who retired from Nike just four years earlier. Shares rose more than 9% in after-hours trading on the news. Donahoe, who joined the board in 2014 and became CEO in 2020, oversaw a challenging period marked by faltering demand in China, inflation and rising competition from On and Hoka.
Guotai Junan to Absorb Haitong Securities in a Stock Swap Creating China's Biggest Brokerage
Guotai Junan Securities plans to absorb Haitong Securities in a stock swap, creating a state-backed megabrokerage with 1.68 trillion yuan (US$236.9 billion) in total assets that would surpass Citic Securities as China's biggest brokerage, according to a South China Morning Post report of 6 September 2024.
Notice: Starbucks Names Chipotle Chief Brian Niccol as CEO in 2024 Leadership Shake-Up
Starbucks replaced chief executive Laxman Narasimhan with Chipotle's Brian Niccol in August 2024; shares spiked about 20% as activist investor Elliott pressed for change amid weak US and China demand.
Inside Boeing's Largest Factory: 'Panic Mode', Quality Fears and the Battle for the Production Line
Workers and union officials at Boeing's Everett plant describe a factory in 'panic mode' amid the safety crisis triggered by January's 737 Max 9 door plug blowout: managers accused of hounding staff over quality concerns, a 787 verification backlog, a new FAA investigation into possible falsified inspection records, and a deepening dispute over whether cost-cutting and union containment lie at the heart of Boeing's quality problem.
Exxon Mobil Clears FTC Hurdle, Poised to Close $60 Billion Pioneer Deal
The Federal Trade Commission reached a consent agreement with Exxon Mobil that clears the way for its roughly $60 billion all-stock acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources, with one notable condition: Pioneer's former chief executive Scott Sheffield will be barred from joining the Exxon board.
Notice: Paramount Global Removes CEO Bob Bakish, Replaces Him with Three-Person 'Office of the CEO'
Paramount Global removed Bob Bakish as chief executive on 29 April 2024, replacing him with a newly created three-person 'Office of the CEO' comprising George Cheeks (CBS), Chris McCarthy (Paramount Media Networks) and Brian Robbins (Paramount Pictures). The leadership change came amid ongoing merger and sale negotiations and a prolonged decline in the company's stock price.
Notice: Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun to Step Down at End of 2024 After Alaska Airlines Door-Panel Blowout
Boeing announced on 25 March 2024 that president and CEO Dave Calhoun would step down at the end of the year following the January Alaska Airlines 737 Max door-panel blowout. Board chair Larry Kellner will not seek reelection; former Qualcomm CEO Steve Mollenkopf was named to lead the board's search for a successor. Boeing Commercial Airplanes chief Stan Deal also retired, with Stephanie Pope appointed to lead BCA.
Notice: Capital One Agrees to Acquire Discover in $35.3 Billion Merger to Build a Payments Network
Capital One agreed in February 2024 to acquire Discover Financial Services in a deal valued at $35.3 billion, a combination that Fortune reported would make it the largest card issuer in the United States and give it ownership of a payments network, with closing seen in late 2024 or 2025 subject to regulatory approval.
Russia's Antitrust Watchdog Finds Wildberries and Ozon Collectively Dominant With 80% of Online Retail
Russia's Federal Antimonopoly Service completed its competition analysis in December and established that Wildberries and Ozon hold a collective dominant position in online retail with a combined share of about 80%, opening the way to stricter antitrust regulation. Under the moratorium on IT-company inspections, the FAS is counting on the platforms voluntarily eliminating violations after complaints about logistics costs, imposed terms and fines.
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