The fight to push forward an alternative to the Lloyds TSB takeover of HBOS was stepped up today by a former bank chief who insists the current offer is “no longer the best deal”.

An attempted boardroom putsch at HBOS by the former heads of the Bank of Scotland and the Royal Bank of Scotland has been “unanimously” rejected by the board, the bank’s chairman said tonight.

ITV boss Michael Grade is to extend his stay at the head of the broadcaster for a further year, the company said today.

Investors were in bullish mood today as shares in London powered to their highest level for more than five years.

Shares in London powered to a new five-year high today amid heightened optimism in the City.

London shares extended their winning streak to a fourth session today as investors turned their eyes towards the key 4600 barrier.

Gains in Asia helped to point the London market in the right direction today ahead of a public holiday on Wall Street.

A senior director of newly merged ITV today announced his resignation from the group’s board after less than a year in the job.

Former BBC director general Greg Dyke’s departure from the broadcaster following the Hutton report today saw him plummet down an industry list of Britain’s most influential media figures.

Oil giant Shell is facing further criticism over the slow pace of its review into corporate governance.

HBOS has named George Mitchell as the new governor of Bank of Scotland following the retirement of Peter Burt.

KEEPING a close eye on developments at the recent Open Championship at Muirfield was Pat Lyons, the Irish international from Cork Golf Club.

Bank of Scotland and the Halifax have agreed a £28bn merger to create Britain's fifth largest bank.