Scottish Business Briefing - Friday 2 March, 2012
BANKING
Levene’s NBNK enters talks over possible bid for Clydesdale Bank
BNK Investments, which lost out in the auction for 632 Lloyds branches, is in talks with National Australia Bank (NAB) about acquiring the Clydesdale and Yorkshire banks. (The Scotsman) has learned.
Scoban to launch share prospectus for new bank
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Hide AdSCOBAN, the Edinburgh-based company promising a new UK private bank, is about to launch a share prospectus after failing to land any firm commitments from institutions too worried about international events (Herald).
FOOD, DRINK & AGRICULTURE
Di Maggio’s in expansion plan as profits rise
SCOTTISH restaurant chain Di Maggio’s achieved a rise in operating profits in its last financial year to April 2011, even though turnover dipped, and is eyeing fresh projects in cities including Manchester, Aberdeen and Edinburgh (Herald).
INDUSTRY
Scots industry back in a more positive mood
SCOTLAND’S factories have bounced back from one lean quarter to reveal they are hiring staff and suffering from skills shortages (Scotsman).
Refinancing deal gives Miller firepower for expansion plans
Miller Group has gained the “firepower” to grow the business, its chief executive said yesterday, after the Edinburgh-based housebuilding and construction firm completed a major refinancing deal (Scotsman).
MANAGEMENT
‘Old soldiers’ security firm Croma seals takeover and share placing
A SECURITY firm run by former members of the Black Watch yesterday hailed its latest take-over deal as “transformational” as it broadens its range of services (Scotsman).