Shell is set to report a 21% drop in full-year underlying earnings to 18.79 billion US dollars (£13.66 billion), according to most analysts.

Mahesh Aditya is currently group chief risk officer at Banco Santander and will replace outgoing boss Mike Regnier on March 1.

The deal includes giving AstraZeneca access to the exclusive global rights, outside China, to CSPC’s once-a-month weight management jabs.

DS Smith disappeared from the London market when it was snapped up by International Paper a year ago for £5.8 billion.

The latest Begbies Traynor red flag alert report revealed a 44% year-on-year jump in companies in ‘critical’ financial distress at the end of 2025.

The high street lending giant reported a 12% jump in pre-tax profits to £6.66 billion for 2025.

The fashion firm said it expects net sales in local currencies to drop by 2% year-on-year in the two months to the end of January.

Administrators said the firm will continue to trade from its 137 stores while they look at options to help secure its future.

The CMA has tabled measures to improve Google Search in the UK after it designated the firm with so-called strategic market status.

The group saw retail consumer revenues fall 1.1% in its third quarter to January 1, marking an improvement on the 2.3% drop seen in its first half.

The group now expects underlying earnings of £50 million for the year to February 28, up from previous guidance for around £45 million.

Debt-laden Evoke said last year that changes to gambling taxes would see its duty costs rise by up to £135 million a year from 2027.

The firm said it is still in talks over a possible sale, which are were ‘well advanced’.

Shares in the under-pressure stock soared as the group said net revenues were now set to come above the £664 million forecast in the City.

The Irish budget airline flew 47.5 million passengers in the third quarter, up 6% year on year.

Most analysts expect the lender to deliver a 7% rise in pre-tax profits for the year, with the City pencilling in £6.38 billion.

The ONS said UK retail sales rose by 0.4% in December, following falls in October and November.

The Office for National Statistics said the total volume of retail sales is estimated to have risen by 0.4% in December.

The retailer’s restructure saw it end 2025 with 149 fewer shops and a reduced workforce after axing 2,200 jobs.

Ofgem said 11,646 Ovo customers received their warm home discount rebate more than 19 months late.