Merger and acquisition activity grew by 17.6% during the second quarter of 2012, according to the latest NCB Corporate Finance M&A Tracker Survey.

ALMOST 300 job losses were announced in the home improvement and drug manufacturing industries yesterday.

Several hundred more workers faced a future on the dole today after two leading employers in the Midlands announced job cuts.

THE proposed takeover of builders’ merchant and DIY group Heiton by larger rival Grafton has taken a fresh twist with news that British builders’ products group Wolseley is set to beef up its presence in Ireland.