TWO fundamental factors allow any business to survive: profits and capital. Throughout the year, faced with a drop in revenue, businesses have responded by battening down the hatches.

Alan Sugar, the millionaire star of BBC’s 'The Apprentice', has bought a near-4% share in struggling retailer Woolworths, it emerged today.

Woolworths caused a surprise today by ending chief executive Trevor Bish-Jones’ six-year run in one of the high street’s toughest jobs.

Woolworths said today its retail arm should return to profit in the current financial year, despite falling sales and a “very challenging” Christmas.

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Britain’s Woolworths group is close to finalising the sale of MVC, its specialist chain of entertainment stores, with an announcement expected this week.

British high street retailer Woolworth’s today said it had rejected the chance to hold in-depth talks over a takeover worth up to £789m (€1.1bn).

Advertising agency M&C Saatchi floated on the London stock market today in a move aimed at funding its European expansion drive.

British retailer Woolworths has reported a 32.2% rise in underlying full-year profits to £69.8m. (€104.88m).

A Nigerian man questioned by police over the suspected ritual sacrifice of a young boy in London was appearing in court in Dublin today.