The maker of Branston pickle and Hovis bread today said it was looking at ways to speed up the reduction of its £1.8bn (€2.3bn) debt mountain.

Strong gains for oil and banking stocks saw the FTSE 100 Index make good progress today and close at another two-month high.

Debt-laden Hovis bread maker Premier Foods secured vital breathing space today as it battles against soaring interest payments and wheat prices.

Branston pickle will carry a smart label to help consumers tell if the product is still fresh enough to eat, A UK food firm said today.

UK housebuilders came under pressure today after downbeat comments from Bovis Homes spooked investors.

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

BRITISH food manufacturer Premier Foods has bought jam maker Chivers after it sold it in a management buyout in 1999, it was confirmed last night.

The London market headed towards the Christmas break in lacklustre mood today following a downbeat finish on Wall Street and a spate of profit taking in Asia.

Premier Foods showed no signs of bid indigestion today after confirming interest in the UK maker of brands such as McVitie’s, Jaffa Cakes and KP.

The London market closed barely ahead of its opening mark today following a mixed session in the City.

London markets were in positive territory today after investors benefited from a strong finish to trading in New York and a boost by PartyGaming.

Sales of meat alternative Quorn showed a sharp rise today after its new owner spent more money on advertising and launched new products.

Steady gains by miners put the London market on the front foot today as the FTSE 100 Index looked to claw back losses after a disappointing end to April.

Branston owner Premier Foods confirmed today it was looking at potential deals amid speculation it could swoop for the McVitie’s and Jaffa Cakes brands.

Premier Foods today said healthy Christmas sales had helped to compensate for lower demand created by the unusually mild autumn in the UK.

The FTSE 100 Index gave up the chance to set a new three-year high today as investors reeled from probable hurricane damage to a rig owned by oil giant BP.

Premier Foods today warned there could be panic buying of its family favourite Branston Pickle after a fire at its factory in Suffolk, England.

The former owner of Premier Foods today looked to have raised more than £100m (€145m) from the sale of its remaining 20% stake in the Branston Pickle firm.

Strong sales of Branston Pickle and Typhoo Tea helped City newcomer Premier Foods to unwrap a healthy set of maiden results today.

Virgin Mobile was today valued at £500m (€751m) as it launched on the London stock market at a price significantly lower than its previous hopes.