The MBS Group

Dear Reader,

Industry headlines from
Moira Benigson Executive Search.

Retail

Surprise Bidder Offers Hope Of A Rescue For Peacocks

Pakistani billionaire Alshair Fiyaz has teamed up with Solstra Capital to put in a second-round rescue bid for the fashion retailer. It is thought that textile tycoon Mr Fiyaz is working with the senior management team at Peacocks.
Read more on www.telegraph.co.uk »

Game Group Secures New Deal With Lenders

The game and console retailer is on more stable ground after securing a new deal with its lenders. Last month the group warned that it may breach the terms of its loans, but has now concluded discussions with its lending syndicate to revise the terms of its banking facilities.
Read more on www.theretailbulletin.com »

Consumer Goods

Royal Butcher Acquired For £30m

Donald Russell, the butcher and holder of a Royal Warrant, has been bought by Vestey Foods Group for approximately £30m. Donald Russell was put up for sale in May last year, and supplies the Royal household and top restaurants as well as consumers through its Donald Russell Direct venture.
Read more on www.telegraph.co.uk »

Hendricks Plans A Series Of Leap Year Events

The gin brand is plotting a series of events surrounding February 29th in a play on the leap year tradition of women proposing to their partners. The Ladies School of Nuptial Conquest and the Hendrick’s School of Scoundrels will visit bars in Bristol, London, Leeds, Edinburgh and Manchester ahead of the Hendrick’s Preposterous Proposal Throne, which will appear at various locations on the last day of the month.
Read more on www.morningadvertiser.co.uk »

Fashion, Lifestyle And Luxury

Brunello Cucinelli Files For IPO

The Italian cashmere firm has announced that it has filed for an initial public offering of its shares on the Milan Stock Exhange. Founder and owner, Brunello Cucinelli, said: "The bourse is a key step for growth."
Read more on uk.fashionmag.com »

Stuart Weitzman Unveils New Line

In collaboration with creative director Alvaro Gonzalez, Stuart Weitzman has unveiled his new SW1 collection of footwear and accessories. The SW1 range, which will retail at designer prices, is Weitzman's first major initiative since The Jones Group acquired a majority stake in his brand last year.
Read more on www.wwd.com »

Estée Lauder Posts Profits Rise In Second Quarter

The global cosmetics firm has posted a 15.45 rise in second-quarter profits. Chief executive 

Fabrizio Freda has spoken of the firm's increasing use of technology to highlight shopping patterns according to geography.
Read more on www.wwd.com »

Online

Music Magpie Doubles Operating Profit

The specialist website, which buys second-hand CDs, DVDs and games from consumers, has more than doubled operating profit. Chaired by Allan Leighton, Music Magpie has also seen turnover nearly triple, to £31m, in the year to May 31st.
Read more on www.ft.com »

AutoTrader.com Thought To Be Considering IPO

Reports have suggested that the website linking car buyers and sellers is considering filing for an initial public offering. Owners of the site, including Providence Equity Partners, are thought to be considering the move to capitalise on rising demand for second-hand cars.
Read more on www.bloomberg.com »

Digital Technology

Vodafone Abandons Merger Talks In Greece

Vodafone, the world's largest mobile operator, has announced that is has walked away from plans to merge its operations in Greece with Wind Hellas. Vodafone has not given a reason for the move, but commentators have speculated that the merger may have caused competition concerns.
Read more on www.telegraph.co.uk »

IBM Chief To Chair Inquiry Into Postgraduate Training

Graham Spittle, chief technology officer at IBM, has been selected to chair a review of postgraduate training in the UK. Mr Spittle will examine whether the UK's higher education and postgraduate training efforts can compete globally.
Read more on www.telegraph.co.uk »

Travel And Leisure

InterContinental Hotels To Recruit 400,000 By 2015

As the global hotel chain plots further expansion of its existing portfolio of approximately 4,500 hotels, InterContinental Hotels has announced that it is to recruit up to 400,000 worldwide over the next four years.
Read more on www.hrmagazine.co.uk »

Jamie Oliver Announces First Union Jacks Outside Of London

The entrepreneurial chef has announced plans to open the first branch of new concept restaurant, Union Jacks, outside of London. A new outlet will open on Winchester's high street this summer, becoming the third in the chain. A second restaurant is due to open in Chiswick next month.
Read more on www.caterersearch.com »

On The Move

Simon Cowell Promoted At Bare Escentuals

Previously chief marketing officer, Simon Cowell has been named as the new chief executive officer at the natural cosmetics firm. He replaces Myles McCormick, who led Bare Escentuals since it was acquired by Shiseido in 2010 for US$1.8bn.
Read more on www.wwd.com »

The Works Names New Chief Executive

The discount bookseller has promoted Kevin Keaney from managing director to chief executive. The Works, owned by private equity firm Endless, also reported strong sales over the festive period, with total sales up by 18%.
Read more on www.retail-week.com »

Jon Goldstone To Leave Premier Foods

The group marketing director of Premier Foods, Jon Goldstone, is to leave the firm. He is to step down from his role at the end of this month. Iwan Williams will now head up the marketing function.
Read more on www.thegrocer.co.uk »

The Weatherman Says...

A lovely weekend (that's all we need thanks very much) of snow and sledging. Due to there being no wind whatsoever it felt remarkably mild. I watched half of the Super Bowl last night and was blown away by the show Madonna put on at half time. She was absolutely fantastic and collaborated with a whole host of artists. Madonna was one of the pioneers of those megadega theatrical gigs - Lady Gaga eat your heart out as far as I'm concerned. Staying cold and windless for the start of this week.

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