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

On Monday, nearly 50 years after the company was set up, in Shepherd's Bush, Games Workshop, the maker of the popular Warhammer game, will enter the FTSE 100 index. Helping to clinch its entry into the top-flight index was the recently signed deal with Amazon to bring its Warhammer 40,000 universe to film and TV. - The Financial Mail on Sunday

Thames Water is facing a possible default on its debt despite a £3bn lifeline from its most senior creditors which in the works, ratings agency S&P Global said. The cut the outlook on the company's debt to negative and said that it would downgrade Thames Water's debt rating to D if the High Court approved the bailout the next year. Critics argue that the proposed rescue will saddle the company with over £300m in finance costs due to the high interest rates that the debt carries. - The Sunday Telegraph

Aviva is rushing to close its £3.6bn takeover of smaller rival Direct Line ahead of the Christmas Day deadline set by the Takeover Panel. Aviva has the option of applying for an extension to the deadline but thinking in the City is that it would rather close the transaction now. Should the terms be agreed, Aviva would become the country's second-largest car insurer behind rival Admiral and strengthen its position as the largest home insurer. - The Sunday Times