Here are the business stories making the headlines across the country this morning.
Martin Gilbert attempts to woo investors for AssetCo plan
City veteran Martin Gilbert is trying to attract investor support for AssetCo, as he attempts to turn around the lossmaking asset-management acquisition business.
Gilbert, AssetCo’s executive chair, has met prospective investors — including other fund managers — in recent weeks as well as existing shareholders to explain plans to split the Aim-listed company’s shares, according to three people close to the situation.
He took over AssetCo in 2021 to acquire small asset managers and take advantage of consolidation in the mutual-fund industry, as the market battles against customers withdrawing their money in favour of cheaper index tracker funds.
But AssetCo has also struggled with outflows, high costs and operating losses. The company said in June it had taken action to reduce costs, which has helped to shrink its losses.
Bellway abruptly pulls plug on £720m deal for rival housebuilder
A £720m takeover of housebuilder Crest Nicholson has unexpectedly fallen apart after months of talks.
Bellway’s board on Tuesday morning decided to abandon its pursuit in a decision that is understood to have blindsided management at Crest and scuppered what would have been one of the sector’s biggest deals of the year.
The withdrawal comes as the industry gears up for an expected boom in building under the new Government, which has pledged to build 1.5m new homes during this parliament.
Bellway gave no reason for its decision, saying only that it “does not intend to make a firm offer” and had confidence in its strength as it stands.
Post Office IT boss quits amid Horizon delays
Post Office technology chief Chris Brocklesby is leaving after a year as the project to replace the troubled Horizon IT system faces long delays and rising costs.
Mr Brocklesby was hired on a one-year contract in August 2023 as "chief transformation officer".
He leaves on 6 September, according to a message sent to Post Office staff by acting chief executive Owen Woodley.
The Post Office has been struggling to replace the Horizon computer system, which is supplied by Fujitsu.
Starbucks ousts Laxman Narasimhan as chief executive
Starbucks Corporation has replaced its chief executive with the head of Chipotle Mexican Grill, the restaurant chain, amid declining sales and pressure from investors.
The coffee shop company said that Brian Niccol would join as its chairman and chief executive next month, replacing Laxman Narasimhan, who is stepping down as chief executive immediately after just over a year in the role.
The announcement drove up shares in Starbucks by 24.5 per cent, or $18.87, to close at $95.90 in New York.
Narasimhan, 57, took over as Starbucks’ chief executive in March 2023 from Howard Schultz, 71, who had transformed the brand from a coffee beans retailer in Seattle into the world’s largest coffee chain.