London-listed Tate & Lyle said it had received an approach from Illinois-based Ingredion worth 615p per share in cash.

The firm runs 38 private hospitals and more than 60 clinics across England, Wales and Scotland.

The broadcaster is said to be close to finalising a deal to sell its media and entertainment division to Sky.

The firm reported annual pre-tax profits of £49 million against losses of £66 million the previous year.

The housebuilder is also seeing materials and labour costs rise as the Middle East conflict takes its toll on the sector.

The so-called final proposal comes after Intertek has rebuffed three previous approaches from EQT.

The yield on 30-year gilts jumped as much as 13 basis points to just over 5.8%, reaching the highest level since 1998.

The telecoms giant notched up pre-tax profits of 1.86 billion euro (£1.61 billion) for the year to March 31.

EY’s economic outlook shows UK consumer spending growth will grind almost to a halt, at a predicted 0.3% for 2026, as inflation set to rise to 4%.

M&S said it would employ 600 workers at the 437,000 square foot site in Lichfield when it opens in 2027.

The Item Club warns that two of the UK’s lowest income regions – South Wales and the Humber – will suffer the most painful jobs market woes.

David Hinton will leave after former chairman chairman Chris Train resigned last week following a grilling in Parliament.

The laboratory testing firm said the bid proposal from EQT ‘significantly undervalues Intertek and its future prospects’.

Campaigners took aim at the group over its profits at a time when households and businesses are suffering from painful price rises.

Chief executive Vincent Clerc said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz could start impacting global trade and consumer demand.

The oil giant reported a 24% rise in underlying earnings to 6.92 billion US dollars (£5.09 billion).

The cost of benchmark Brent crude dropped 11% to under 98 dollars a barrel.

The national and regional media group revealed digital revenues plunged 8.1% in the first three months of 2026.

The fashion and homewares chain increased its estimated cost of the Middle East conflict to £47 million from the £15 million guidance given in March.

Thierry Garnier joined Kingfisher as chief executive in September 2019.