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Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. Investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. This is a third-party news feed and may not reflect Fidelity’s views.

Sunday newspaper round-up: BT Group, Aston Martin, MPs

(Sharecast News) - BT has intensified its preparations to see off a possible takeover bid by its major shareholder Deutsche Telekom. For months now, the telecoms services provider had been working with Robey Warshaw and Goldman Sachs to prepare against such a scenario. Speculation in that regard was reaching a crescendo both in the City and within the sector, due to BT's need to invest £15bn in its new fibre-optic broadband network and multiple potentially destabilising factors. - The Sunday Telegraph

Aston Martin's decision to team up with Lucid Motors is but the latest move by Saudi to grow its economic influence in the UK. Indeed, Lucid's majority owner, Saudi's Public Investment Fund, was already the second-largest investor in Aston Martin, holding a 18% stake worth approximately £450m. PIH also has holdings in Carnival and in 2021 took over Newcastle United. The moves come amid a drive by the UK government to agree free-trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council. - The Financial Mail on Sunday

There are over 50 MPs who own stakes in publicly listed firms, raising questions regarding possible conflicts of interest. Under parliamentary rules, the shareholdings, including those of former PM Theresa May or former education secretary Gavin Williamson, did not need to be publicly disclosed in parliamentary registers. Among the companies now held by MPs were Barclays, HSBC, BP and Sainsbury's. Such companies could be impacted by laws or news policies introduced by Parliament. A spokesperson for May said she entirely rejected any suggestion that she broke any of the rules regarding shares in BT held by her husband. - Guardian

Fintech outfit Revolut was reportedly the target of an £18m by criminals who targetted a flaw in its US payments system. The Financial Times reported that the funds were stolen over the course of several months in 2022 before Revolut was able to close the loophole. The company, which has been pursuing a UK banking licence, was dealt another setback in March, when auditor BDO said three quarters of its revenues could not be verified and might have been misstated. - The Financial Mail on Sunday

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Sunday newspaper round-up: Panama Canal, Warhammer, Thames Water
(Sharecast News) - Donald Trump is asking that the Panama Canal be returned to the US unless Panama addresses his criticism of how the waterway is managed. In a post on social media platform Truth Social, Trump described the current arrangement as a complete 'rip-off' which will "immediately stop". He also warned against that the key interoceanic route would not be allowed to fall into the "wrong hands". He also appeared to caution against possible Chinese influence in the canal. - Guardian
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(Sharecast News) - The grocery industry watchdog is to make a rare intervention in a Yorkshire sprout grower's £3.7m legal case against Aldi over the discount chain's decision to terminate a long-term supply deal. In papers filed at the high court, W Clappison Ltd, which produced sprouts for Aldi's UK arm for 13 years, said its supply agreement was ended in February last year at planting time without reasonable notice so it was unable to find new clients immediately. It said it was forced to cease sprout production and sell off its machinery. - Guardian
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Thursday newspaper round-up: Water bills, Brexit, Imperial Brands
(Sharecast News) - Households in England and Wales will see their water bills rise by an average of £31 a year, as suppliers pay to fix leaky pipes and cut pollution. The industry regulator Ofwat said on Thursday it would allow companies to raise average bills will rise by £157 over five years to an average of £597 by 2030 to help pay for investment. - Guardian

Important information: This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice. When you are thinking about investing in shares, it’s generally a good idea to consider holding them alongside other investments in a diversified portfolio of assets. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

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