Here are the business stories making the headlines across Scotland and the UK this morning.
Ryanair to launch direct flights from Aberdeen to Krakow
Low-cost airline Ryanair is launching a new route from Aberdeen International Airport next year.
Flights from Aberdeen to Krakow in Poland will first take off in April providing a direct journey between the two cities.
The route will operate twice a week on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
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‘Eyesore’ Atholl House could become shops and cafes in heart of Aberdeen
The “eyesore” Atholl House could be turned into shops and cafes – as property magnates reveal a new vision for the site.
Cater Group is leading the charge with the revival, after posting a slightly cryptic update on its website.
Atholl House has been rebranded to “The Metropolitan” on their website, with the group saying they look to “develop multiple units” for shops, restaurants and bars there.
Homebase goes into administration with jobs at risk
Homebase has collapsed into administration after its bank pulled the plug on a crucial refinancing deal, putting a significant number of shops and jobs at risk.
The troubled DIY and garden chain appointed Teneo as administrator on Wednesday afternoon after Wells Fargo declined to extend a lending facility of up to £95million that was due to end in December, amid concerns over future trading.
Immediately following the appointment, the administrators sold 70 Homebase stores and the brand and IP to the owner of The Range and Wilko, as part of a pre-pack administration deal said to be worth about £30million.
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Aberdeen firm adds 1,400 properties after acquiring city rival
Newton Property Management has expanded its portfolio by acquiring the block factoring portfolio of Aberdeen Property Leasing (APL) .
Chief executive Vincent Goldie said acquiring the fellow Granite City business, for an undisclosed sum, had been “seamless”.
The deal means Newton, based on Albert Street, now factors more than 12,000 properties across the north of Scotland and 40,000 across Scotland.
Apple sued by Which? over iCloud use
Consumer rights group Which? is suing Apple for £3billionn over the way it deploys the iCloud.
If the lawsuit succeeds, around 40 million Apple customers in the UK could be entitled to a payout.
The lawsuit claims Apple, which controls iOS operating systems, has breached UK competition law by giving its iCloud storage preferential treatment, effectively "trapping" customers with Apple devices into using it.
Boohoo to launch fundraising drive after losses triple
Boohoo has announced plans to raise £39.3million after losses at the struggling fashion retailer more than tripled, and urged shareholders to vote against resolutions proposed by Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group.
The London-listed clothing company said it planned to launch the fundraising drive through a combination of placing new shares, subscription agreements, and a retail offer.
Boohoo said the funds raised will be used to reduce group borrowings and provide “strategic flexibility” following the company’s recent debt facility agreement.