The former boss of Alliance & Leicester has been lined up as the new chief executive of embattled lender Bradford & Bingley, it was reported today.

Shares in nuclear power generator British Energy were down 4% today after the company failed to reach a takeover agreement with French suitor EDF.

Alliance & Leicester today said the credit crunch turmoil had almost completely wiped out profits in the first six months of the year.

Spanish-owned high street lender Abbey is this week expected to show it has toppled the Halifax as Britain’s biggest mortgage company.

Fears over the US financial sector sent blue chips more than 2% lower today in another turbulent session for the London market.

Former building societies Abbey and Alliance & Leicester are to be merged under a £1.26bn (€1.5bn) deal announced today.

Hefty falls in the banking and insurance sectors wiped another 1% off the London market today to close a volatile week for UK blue chips.

The FTSE 100 Index closed just shy of the key 6000 barrier today as strong gains from banks put the market on the front foot.

Takeover speculation and hopes of a dividend hike from Royal Bank of Scotland caused shares in the financial sector to surge today.

The FTSE 100 Index lost ground today as high oil prices and weak banking stocks cast a shadow over London trading.

Alliance & Leicester today warned that soaring funding costs would leave 2008 earnings lower than last year as it suffers amid the credit crunch.

The London market was mired in negative territory today after investor confidence was shaken by gloomy sentiment from around the world.

British mortgage bank Alliance & Leicester warned today of a “challenging” year ahead, as it reported a 29% drop in 2007 operating profits following a £185m (€244m) hit from the credit crunch.

British mortgage bank Alliance & Leicester today said it had further strengthened its funding position, despite a greater-than-expected £185 (€248m) hit amid the credit crunch.

The London market staged a late session turnaround today after positive US economic data helped offset hefty falls among UK retailers.

Takeover rumours were driving blue-chip shares higher today and providing some new year optimism for the first trading session of 2008.

A shares rebound from embattled mortgage specialist Alliance & Leicester helped the London market bank a second day of gains today.

Shares Alliance & Leicester powered 15% higher today after soothing investors with a reassuring trading statement.

Two major UK mortgage lenders today reassured investors over prospects despite the woes of crisis-hit Northern Rock.

London's blue chips were on the back foot today as nerves over banking stocks showed little sign of abating.

Alliance & Leicester led another painful session for banking shares as the turmoil in financial markets continued to hang over world markets.

Sainsbury’s shares plummeted by 21% today after its Qatari suitors pulled the plug on a potential £10.6bn (€15.2bn) bid in another punishing day on the London market.

Alliance & Leicester announced today it was scrapping interest charges on overdrafts and replacing them with a daily fee for people who go into the red.

The London market plunged into the red today after heavy early losses on Wall Street and fresh doubts over mortgage lenders sent blue chips tumbling.

Mortgage banks and retailers dragged the FTSE 100 Index back into negative territory today, bringing yesterday’s last minute rally to a close.

London’s leading shares staged a rally in afternoon trading today, buoyed by a strong opening in the US.

A&L Goodbody handled deals worth €9.3 billion in 2006. The company was also ranked the top law firm in Ireland for global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity, according to a Thomson Financial survey published yesterday.

Alliance & Leicester today said its annual profits would be towards the top end of expectations after revenues grew faster than in recent years.

AUDACIOUS, stunning and breath-taking were just a few of the words used to describe Ryanair’s €1.4 billion hostile bid to buy a majority stake in Aer Lingus.

Shares in three high-profile companies moved sharply today as investors reacted decisively to the publication of half-year results.

London’s leading shares bounced back into positive territory today with drinks can maker Rexam spearheading the recovery.

The FTSE 100 Index held firm today in a lacklustre session for shares in London as markets in the United States closed for the Independence Day holiday.

Shares in UK banking group Alliance & Leicester fell sharply today after a potential suitor made a move on a different takeover target.

Investors continued to cram the exit doors today with £31 billion wiped off the value of the FTSE 100 Index.

The London market struggled for direction today as mining stocks and oil companies suffered a turbulent session.

Mining stocks experienced another rollercoaster ride during an uncertain session for London’s top flight index today.

Strong gains for mining, oil and banking stocks powered the FTSE 100 Index back above the 6000 barrier today.

The London market made a successful late bid for positive territory today in a rollercoaster session for many heavyweight stocks.

Higher metal prices boosted mining stocks today as the London market ended the week on a positive note.

Stronger mining stocks and a better-than-expected update from Alliance & Leicester gave the FTSE 100 Index reason to break the 5500 barrier today.

British lender Alliance & Leicester said arrears on mortgages and other loans remained at low levels today as it gave the industry some respite from worries over bad debts.

A much-needed rally by blue-chip stocks was not enough today to help the London market claw back losses sustained earlier in the week.

The London market regained its composure today after positive results from the advertising and banking sectors pushed the FTSE 100 Index above 5000.

Banking group Alliance & Leicester posted an annual profits rise of 16% today after hitting all its strategic targets in 2004.