It may have largely been a Cheltenham week to forget for bookmakers but the punter-friendly results have not led to a fall for industry leaders like Paddy Power.

British retailer Sports Direct has reported a 29% slump in full-year earnings after failing to hedge against a weaker pound, but its shares rose on a forecast of growth this year and hopes management was getting its house in order.

The crutch that is Marks & Spencer Group’s food division is providing less of a prop.

Merlin Entertainments shares weakened and G4S rose as investors weigh a possible softening in London tourism and a likely increase in demand for private security after the Westminster terror attack.

A quiet Christmas has left JD Wetherspoon nursing a New Year hangover after the pub chain disclosed a slowdown in recent sales growth.

Any pending formal takeover offer for Dublin exploration firm, Petroceltic from Middle Eastern player, Dragon Oil is expected by analysts to tempt other parties into a bidding war.

Marks & Spencer Group plc reported first-half earnings that beat estimates and forecast an increase in profitability for the year as it offers fewer promotions.

Debenhams, the department store group with 167 stores across Britain and Ireland, showed its resilience to weak market conditions, posting an acceleration in underlying sales growth this summer when rivals, including Next, saw a drop-off in trade.

Domino’s Pizza UK & Ireland is to press ahead with expansion plans in 2012 as it benefits from cash-strapped consumers eating its pizzas at home rather than dining out.

DOMINO PIZZA'S operations in Ireland have turned profitable, the company revealed yesterday.

Mothercare boss Chris Martin paid the price for the retailer’s continuing slump today as the group warned it expected to report a loss at the half-year.