Conglomerates were all the rage in the 1960s, but fell out of fashion along with the beehive hairdo. Primark is about to remind us why. The fast-growing clothing operation is part of Associated British Foods (ABF), whose other businesses include sugar processing, food ingredients and brands such as Twinings Tea, as well as agriculture.

The London market was virtually unmoved today as an attempted rally from Monday's declines fell flat.

A UK recycling firm involved in the handling of fridges and other electrical items was acquired today in a deal worth £23m (€29.5m).

Shares in Branston Pickle-to-Oxo stock cube firm Premier Foods hit a record low today amid fears over the firm’s debts and soaring wheat costs.