Chris Peters

Gambling company Entain (ENT.L) did not declare a dividend on Thursday as it took a cautious stance and said the strong online growth that drove lockdown earnings could ease as betting shops re-open.

Upmarket retailer Ted Baker (TED.L) said on Monday dresses and suits were back in demand, with Britons rediscovering a taste for formal wear as months of COVID-19 curbs on social life were slowly relaxed.

The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened a shortage of white-collar workers in many countries, forcing companies to pay higher salaries to woo talent, a top London-based recruiter said on Tuesday.

Shares of Entain (ENT.L), which rejected a takeover offer from MGM Resorts (MGM.N) this year, jumped to a record high on Wednesday after a $4.4 billion asset sale by the U.S. casino group prompted bets of a renewed bid for the British bookmaker.

* Shares up 4.5%, top gainer on FTSE 250 (Adds CEO comments from call, details, updates share move)

England's Manchester United and Italy's Juventus, Cristiano Ronaldo's current and former teams, both suffered hefty financial losses for 2020-21 as the coronavirus crisis drained European soccer stadiums of fans.

A.G. Barr expects annual profit to exceed pre-pandemic levels and beat current market expectations, with “on the go” and hospitality sectors remaining particularly strong, the Scotland-based soft drinks maker said on Monday.

British pub operator Marston's said Christmas bookings were "encouraging" and trading was now exceeding pre-pandemic levels, as it hopes to turn the corner after reporting a much bigger annual loss than last year on Tuesday.

Made.com Chief Executive Officer Philippe Chainieux is leaving due to family reasons, the online furniture retailer said on Monday, with current Chief Operating Officer Nicola Thompson taking over as interim CEO with immediate effect.

Sycamore Partners is in the early stage of making a possible cash offer for fashion retailer Ted Baker , the private equity firm said on Friday, in the latest sign of strong U.S. interest in taking over British entities.