High street fashion chain Republic has been snapped up by a private equity firm for £300m (€359m), it was reported today.

Discount clothing retailer Matalan has drawn interest from at least five major buy-out firms in the opening stages of a £1.5bn (€1.7bn) auction, it was reported today.

One of Debenhams’ largest shareholders has exited the company nearly £500m (€551m) richer, it emerged today.

Debenhams today said existing shareholders had taken up a third of its share offering in a £323m (€378m) fundraising.

THE outlook for Anglo Irish Bank’s surviving as a standalone entity deteriorated further yesterday as its shares plunged about 28% for the second day in a row.

AS RIVAL investors battle to inject billions into the six Irish-owned banks, significant uncertainty still surrounds their future.

DUBLIN-headquartered pharmaceutical company Elan is expected to give some update on the future of its drug technology division, when it issues its third-quarter results next week.

EUROPEAN private equity house Cinven has reportedly ended any interest it had in acquiring Irish pharmaceutical company Elan’s drug research arm, Elan Drug Technology (EDT), which is currently being hawked around the market for potential buyers.

SEVERAL private equity companies have submitted bids for Elan Corp’s drug technology business, sources familiar with the situation have told the Dow Jones Newswires service.

The buy-out group involved in Bradford & Bingley's ill-fated capital raising was today reported to be circling another buy-to-let lender.

Britain’s high street banks have agreed to buy a large chunk of shares to rescue troubled Bradford & Bingley, it was reported today.

Bradford & Bingley shares plunged to fresh lows today amid mounting fears that the stock is worthless.

Bradford & Bingley’s major shareholders were today stepping in to salvage the lender’s £400m (€505m) funding plan after a US private equity firm walked away from the deal.

Bradford & Bingley today said it rejected plans put forward by investment group Resolution to pump £400m (€505m) into the embattled UK mortgage lender.

Department store chain Debenhams saw shares hit a record low today amid fresh City fears over the group’s financial health in a tougher retail climate.

Bradford & Bingley sold nearly a quarter of its business today as it moved to shore up its finances in the face of a sharp downturn in trading.

Debenhams said today it was pleased with its half-year sales performance, despite revealing a 12% fall in profits to £94.1m (€117.1m).

Wall Street started the week with a mixed performance today, with many investors moving to the sidelines as they wait for quarterly profit reports.

Department store chain Debenhams today underlined the tough high street conditions this year as it unveiled a half-year sales dip.

British Airways today said it was no longer involved in plans for a takeover of Spain’s Iberia, the fourth-largest airline in Europe.

British Airways today said it would not exercise its right to take a greater slice of Spanish airline Iberia.

Department store group Debenhams has gained some breathing space over repaying its £1bn (€1.39bn) debt burden, it was reported today.

BRITISH AIRWAYS and TPG said they are “considering” their bid for Iberia Lineas Aereas de Espana. The Sunday Telegraph said they may lower it.

News of a tie-up between miner Rio Tinto and Canadian aluminium firm Alcan put the London market in positive spirits today.

SHARES in CRH surged as much as 5% yesterday as speculation mounted that the building materials giant could be a takeover target.

Airline Partners Australia, the private equity consortium that failed in its AUS$11bn(€6.7bn) takeover bid for Qantas Airways, says it will not renew its offer.

The takeover rumour mill is working overtime in Europe’s airline industry as the major players begin to jostle for top spot in a sector that is expected to see consolidation like never before.

The London market has finished in positive territory despite downbeat US manufacturing figures giving blue-chips a jolt late in the session.

Share prices were higher in relatively quiet midday trade still on relief Iraq accepted the UN resolution on weapons inspections, dealers said.

Consignia is refusing to rule out the possibility of axing thousands more jobs.