BIDS for fashion retailer New Look, which employs about 300 people in Ireland, have reportedly been received from two of the world’s largest buy-out groups.

Private equity firm CVC has abandoned plans for a £10.1bn (€14.9bn) offer for supermarket giant Sainsbury's.

Sainsbury's shares fell 3% today as confidence in the private equity consortium's £10bn (€14.67bn) takeover push faded among investors.

The possible takeover interest in Alliance Boots fuelled expectations today that Sainsbury’s may avoid the clutches of private equity raiders.

The prospect of a private equity battle over UK retailing giant J Sainsbury receded today amid reports that Cinven had dropped plans to form a rival team to bid for the FTSE-100 Index company.

Shares in British Airways were boosted today after the airline reached agreement with its unions on plans to tackle a £2.1bn (€3.1bn) pensions deficit.

Mobile phone giant Vodafone is facing a new rival in its attempt to win the race to buy India’s fourth largest mobile operator, it was reported today.

A takeover approach by Thames Water owner Macquarie for Australian airline Qantas caused British Airways shares to surge by more than 2% today.

The London market continued its recent recovery today, despite a disappointing session for shares in aerospace and defence group BAE Systems.

The London market began the month in positive mood today despite heavy losses for BAE Systems after it emerged that the defence and aerospace giant will get less than expected for its 20% stake in Airbus.

Shares in BAE Systems tumbled today after it emerged the defence and aerospace giant will get less than expected for its 20% stake in Airbus.

Debenhams shares were priced at the bottom end of expectations today as the retailer returned to the market after an absence of more than two years.

Debenhams prepared to list on the London stock market for the third time today after a spell away from the limelight proved profitable for owners and managers.

DEPARTMENT store Debenhams was yesterday reported to be finalising plans for a £3 billion (€4.3bn) flotation and will launch on the London Stock Exchange as soon as next month.

Department store Debenhams was today reported to be finalising plans for a £3bn (€4.3bn) flotation and will launch on the London Stock Exchange as soon as next month.

Boots shares surged today as speculation over takeover interest from private equity firms caused investors to look beyond the retailer’s trading woes.

The FTSE 100 Index held its own above the 4900 level today despite another reserves downgrade by Shell and a poor start on Wall Street.

SHARES in Warner Chilcott gained more than 6% yesterday after the drugmaker said a second bidder has made a play for the company.

Northern Ireland drug maker Warner Chilcott has opened its books to a buyout consortium which made a bid approach worth around £1.5 billion earlier this month.

DEBENHAMS, the British department stores group currently the subject of a £1.66 billion takeover bid, has reported a pre-tax profits rise of 9.6%.

British department store chain and takeover target Debenhams has reported year profits and current sales in line with forecasts.

The takeover battle surrounding high street department store Debenhams heated up today as the company agreed a £1.66bn (€2.36bn) offer.

Fast-food giant Burger King was sold at the second time of asking today after its British owner agreed a cut-price deal.

Rises from heavyweight oil and telecom stocks helped the London market make a strong start to the week today.

Drinks giant Diageo ended its long-running attempt to offload fast-food chain Burger King by unveiling its £1.44bn (€2.26bn) sale today.

TEXAS Pacific Group, the American venture capital firm headed by Ryanair chairman David Bonderman, have pulled out of an offer for Jefferson Smurfit.

Jefferson Smurfit is to hold talks with a new potential bidder.