The UK’s 200 leading companies continue to be a bellwether by which to measure the health, global reach, and economic outlook of the nation. Crises erupt and abate but UK Plc’s largest businesses persist, adapt and are a constant measure of economic stability.
With Coca-Cola’s £3.9bn takeover of Costa Coffee and Starbucks opening in Italy, what is in store for the coffee industry in the UK and internationally?
As with most major economy shocks, there are winners and there are losers. While many companies were completely caught out by COVID-19, others are in a position to benefit.
The recruitment market looks set for a wave of takeovers as the consequences of the last few years increasingly expose companies whose financial performance has been compromised. 2021 already proved to be the most acquisitive year on record, with 38 deals in total, 10 of which are from Private Equity investors. 2022 is following the trend and there is no sign of a slowdown in 2023.
With the Bank of England raising interest rates, heavily indebted companies are going to find the cost of servicing their debt just got that little bit more expensive. Plimsoll has taken a deeper look at the UK markets most vulnerable to more expensive debt repayments.
After a difficult year for the contract catering sector worldwide, there are some signs that a return to normality could be possible in the next few months. Varying degrees of lockdown across Europe, including the closure of schools and offices as well as the cancellation or postponement of both public and corporate events no doubt had a serious effect on contract catering specialists in all areas. But as we move into the second half of 2021, now is a good time to look at the financial strengths and weaknesses of the sector as well as monitor opportunities for recovery and growth.
The UK contract catering market contains 66 ‘high-class’ acquisition targets. That is according to Plimsoll’s latest assessment of over 600 contract caterers. This brand new research has identified this group of 66 firms which represent the most appealing acquisition prospects for those looking to expand in the sector.
With recent news that high street fashion retailers Oasis and Warehouse are the latest UK chains to collapse into administration, it is clear that the current COVID-19 crisis will leave an indelible mark on the economy for months, and probably even years, to come.
Inflation and geopolitical crises are having a major impact on the fortunes of Freight Forwarders across the European market. That’s according to a recent survey by DP World, which surveyed companies within the industry during October.