Blackstone Inc (NYSE: BX) said on Monday it will invest more than $25 billion through its infrastructure and real estate funds to expand Pennsylvania’s digital and energy infrastructure, a move expected to spur an additional $60 billion in third-party investment across the state. The private equity giant aims to transform the Commonwealth into a strategic…
Brickability Group reports resilient FY2025 results amid sector challenges
LONDON: Brickability Group PLC (AIM: BRCK), a leading distributor and provider of specialist construction products, on Tuesday reported a 7.2% rise in full-year revenue to £637.1 million for the year ended March 31, 2025, bolstered by its diversification strategy and resilient trading. Gross profit climbed 15.0% to £121.7 million, driving an 11.6% increase in adjusted…
Cake Box Holdings posts higher EBITDA, expands footprint with £22 million Ambala acquisition
LONDON: Cake Box Holdings plc (CBOX.L), the UK’s largest retailer of fresh cream celebration cakes, reported a 17.1% rise in underlying EBITDA to £8.73 million for the year ended 30 March 2025, driven by strong franchisee performance and growth in online sales. The company’s gross margin edged down to 52.5% from 52.7% a year earlier…
Fashion retailer Sosandar lifts margins to profit; Guides cautiously after M&S cyber hit
LONDON: British women’s fashion retailer Sosandar PLC (AIM:SOS) reported a year of improved profitability driven by higher margins, despite a planned reduction in revenue, and signalled a return to growth in its first quarter, according to full-year results released on Tuesday. For the year ended March 31, 2025 (FY25), revenue fell to £37.1 million, down…
Saunders acquires Aqua Metro for up to $30 million to boost water sector footprint
SYDNEY: Saunders International Ltd (ASX: SND) said on Tuesday it will acquire Victoria-based water infrastructure firm Aqua Metro Pty Ltd and its associated entities in a deal worth up to A$30 million, marking its strategic entry into the water sector. The acquisition, subject to customary closing conditions and expected to finalize in the first quarter…
Gateley posts modest FY25 revenue growth amid volatile market; profit declines
LONDON: Gateley Holdings (AIM: GTLY), a UK-based professional services firm, reported a 4.1% rise in annual revenue to £179.5 million for the year ended April 30, 2025, driven by solid performance in its legal services arm and strategic investment activity. Organic growth in legal services reached 3.9%, while underlying operating profit edged up 3.3% to…
Mobico Group completes sale of North America School Bus business for $364 million
LONDON: Mobico Group PLC said Monday it has finalized the sale of its North America School Bus business to I Squared Capital, netting upfront proceeds of $364 million (£273 million), and increasing the company’s financial flexibility heading into 2025. The transaction, first announced on April 25, closed on July 14 following approval from the U.S….
Rio Tinto appoints Simon Trott as Chief Executive
LONDON: The Board of Rio Tinto has appointed Simon Trott to succeed Jakob Stausholm as Chief Executive, with effect from 25 August 2025. Simon, currently Iron Ore Chief Executive, has a track record of exceptional delivery over 25 years in roles across a wide range of commodities and geographies, with a strong focus on values-based performance culture…
Hilton Foods sells Foods Connected to Apax Global Impact Fund for £22 million
LONDON: British food business Hilton Food Group said on Tuesday it has agreed to sell a stake in its supplier management platform, Foods Connected, to the Apax Global Impact Fund for £22 million ($28 mln), marking a strategic step to scale the technology-led platform. The Apax Global Impact Fund, advised by private equity firm Apax…
Partners Group to exit PCI Pharma in Bain-Kohlberg-led deal
LONDON: Partners Group, one of the largest private markets investment managers globally, has agreed to sell its longstanding stake in PCI Pharma Services in a deal led by Bain Capital and Kohlberg & Company, the firms said on Tuesday. The transaction, which values PGPE Ltd’s interest in the global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO)…
Norcros Plc acquires Norway’s Fibo Group in NOK 618 million deal
LONDON: In a strategic move to boost its presence in high-growth European bathroom segments, UK-based Norcros plc has announced its agreement to acquire the entire issued share capital of Norway’s Fibo Holding AS from private equity firm FSN Capital. The transaction carries an enterprise value of NOK 618 million (approximately £45 million) and is subject…
Close Brothers announces agreement to sell Close Brewery Rentals Limited
LONDON: Close Brothers Group plc has reached an agreement to sell Close Brewery Rentals Limited (CBRL) to MML Keystone, a fund managed by MML Capital. The transaction is expected to complete in the 2025 calendar year. The sale aligns with the group’s strategic priorities to simplify our portfolio, improve operational efficiency and drive sustainable growth….