BOYNE Valley Foods has acquired the Irish division of British food group Premier Foods for €41.4 million.

The troubled company behind Mr Kipling and Branston pickle today said it had been given extra breathing space by its banks to get its finances in order.

The UK’s largest food manufacturer today issued a profits warning as it revealed a slump in sales across well-known brands including Hovis.

LOOK out, JK Rowling, the next superstar of children’s literature may be about to emerge.

The Bank of England’s latest quarterly inflation report will provide the economic highlight this week, while bookmaker Ladbrokes and retailer Thorntons are among those due to report on the London market.

The chairman of Premier Foods today announced his intention to stand down after six years at the helm of the Mr Kipling-to-Hovis food producer.

SIOBHÁN DOWD, winner of this year’s Bisto Children’s Book of the Year for her third children’s book, Bog Child, battled against time to get her latest prize- winning novel finished.

Strong gains in the mining sector helped the London market regain its poise today after yesterday’s heavy losses.

London’s FTSE 100 Index was on the front foot today as traders dusted themselves down after yesterday’s heavy fall.

YESTERDAY’S announcement that 95 jobs are to be lost at the Premier Foods Ireland plant in Thurles brings to almost 180 the number of jobs the company is cutting nationwide.

Branston Pickle owner Premier Foods hailed the success of its Campbell’s acquisition today after revealing a 12.2% rise in annual profits.

The owner of Branston Pickle stocked up on some of Britain’s best known brands after agreeing the £1.2bn (€1.8bn) takeover of Hovis owner RHM today.

Hovis and Mr Kipling firm RHM today backed a £1.2bn (€1.8bn) takeover by Branston Pickle owner Premier Foods.

Hanson shares jumped 6% today as investors bought into speculation that he building materials group had received and subsequently rejected a takeover approach.

The FTSE 100 Index hit its highest level since mid-May today as interest rate worries which have blighted global stock markets for more than a month showed signs of easing.

Foods giant RHM unveiled £5m (€7.2m) of extra marketing today as it prepared to launch new products in its Hovis, Bisto and Sharwood’s ranges.

Interest rate worries showed signs of easing today after the FTSE 100 Index jumped 70 points and investors prepared for a strong start on Wall Street.

The maker of Mr Kipling cakes and Bisto gravy will be valued at up to £975m (€1.4bn) when it floats on the London stock market, it emerged today.