UK Business News

New lease of life for London flotations

About six companies with "meaningful" valuations above £500 million are aiming to launch IPOs during the first quarter

Lack of M&A business cuts Linklaters' revenue

Income at Britain’s second-biggest law firm has fallen by nearly 10 per cent to £591m in the six months to October 31

• Downturn yields rich pickings for Linklaters

• Linklaters trounces rivals as UK's biggest firm

Tesco may use loyalty card as credit-rating clue

The Office of the Information Commissioner said it would be acceptable as long as it was clear in the terms and conditions

• Tesco in broadband and home phones push

• Tesco plans may threaten survival of corner shops

Gartmore plans to list up to half its equity

One of Britain’s best-known fund managers is planning a flotation likely to raise about £1 billion to reduce its debt

World Business News

Division grows as Japan faces deflation

The Bank of Japan and the Japanese Finance Ministry have become embroiled in a bizarre public "bull and bear" spat

Disney closes popular parenting sites

Disney has shut down the Raisingkids and UKfamily sites, directing visitors to use its American parenting site instead

• Disney picks up children's site for $350m

• Mumsnet: an insight into the female psyche

Morgan Stanley chief: 'We can't control ourselves'

John Mack, the outgoing chief executive of Morgan Stanley, says that Wall Street banks need stricter regulation

• John Mack to quit as Morgan Stanley chief

• I'm doing 'God's work'. Meet Mr Goldman Sachs

Forget Glastonbury and head to Valencia

The Benicàssim International Festival has become an Anglophile affair after Vince Power bought out its Spanish promoters

Analysis

If investors are so long-term, why sell?

Proposed overhaul of voting rights, influenced by Kraft's Cadbury bid, ignores the short-term pressures on fund managers

Cazenove ex-partner: ‘We are not a meritocracy’

A mythology built up around the broker; any mention of it in the press must perforce contain the word 'blue-blooded'

Tempus: National Grid insulates itself

Britain's biggest utility has turned itself into the predictable, low-risk investment for which its sector is sought

Law  

Board may lift ban on legal partnerships

Barristers accuse the Bar Standards Board of unfairly withholding the key recommendations on multi-disciplinary practices

MP expenses file to be sent to CPS ‘in weeks’

It is understood that three MPs and three peers are likely to be included in the file, which should be ready by Christmas

Intelligence services win secrecy ruling

A judge agreed that secret government information could remain hidden from individuals who are suing the security services

Money  

Santander launches 'free' bank account

Owner of Abbey and B&B offers an account with no overdraft charges - but only if customers take out a mortgage

125 per cent loans to homemovers

Existing customers in negative equity can move home with new deal from Coventry Building Society

• Stamp duty change to compound low prices in worst hit areas

• Self-employed face mortgage obstacle course

How to get the best credit card this Christmas

Follow our credit checklist to ensure that your Christmas shopping doesn’t cost more than it should

business travel  

Bmi revamps Diamond Club frequent flyer scheme

Airline adds family membership and unveils new rules for complimentary upgrades

Manchester airport wants sky-high bar

Airport seeks partner to redevelop terminal 1 control tower into a cool drinking den with views of the runway

Profile: Toptable's Karen Hanton

An upgrade to first class? No thanks. The restaurant booking website founder explains why