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.

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 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.

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

A United States private equity group today said it was buying breakfast cereal group Weetabix for about $1.11bn (€932m).