News and Information

Glencore-Xstrata in $90bn merger
Anglo-Swiss mining group Xstrata announces a $90bn merger with Glencore, the world's largest commodity trader.

Euro 'could survive Greece exit'
EU Commissioner Neelie Kroes piles pressure on Greece to agree tough reforms, saying a euro exit would be "no man overboard".

Empty shop numbers 'set to rise'
The number of empty shops on the UK's high streets is set to increase this year, a survey says, as economic conditions get tougher.

BP ups dividend as profits rise
BP announces sharply higher profits and increases its dividend to shareholders for the first time since the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil disaster.

Stores offer warranty concessions
Dixons, Comet and Argos have pledged to improve the way extended warranties for electrical goods are sold, the Office for Fair Trading says.

UK bookings boost for Tui Travel
Europe's biggest travel group Tui Travel says its UK bookings have performed better than the overall market in recent months.

Bellway: House market 'resilient'
UK housebuilder Bellway says the housing market "remains resilient" as sales and viewings increase.

UBS profits down on weak business
Profits at Swiss bank UBS slump by three-quarters and the outlook remains tough as the eurozone crisis saps business.

'Gob smacking' tax and NHS costs
Estimates showing £10.9bn in unpaid tax was written off and medical negligence could cost £15.7bn are examined by the Commons spending watchdog.

Clydesdale Bank owner could sell
The Australian owner of the Clydesdale Bank and Yorkshire Bank is looking for options to sell or radically reform the businesses.

Gas price rises as freeze bites
The price of gas increases sharply around Europe as below-freezing temperatures lead to a surge in demand.

China drives growth for KFC owner
The owner of restaurant brands KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell reports another set of strong figures, helped by growth in China.

Citi to launch China credit cards
The Chinese unit of Citigroup wins approval to launch credit cards in China, the first non-Asian bank to do so.

Macquarie falls on profit warning
Macquarie Group, the largest investment bank in Australia, says it expects full year profits to drop 25% as a weak market hurts its business.

India miners face licence repeal
A panel appointed by India's Supreme Court recommends that the licences of as many as 49 iron ore miners should be cancelled.

US bank chairman in Vietnam push
The head of the US Export-Import Bank, an independent federal agency, pushes for infrastructure deals with Vietnam worth $1.5bn (£949m).

Network Rail boss forgoes bonus
Network Rail bosses, including chief executive Sir David Higgins, say they will not accept bonuses this year amid growing political pressure.

P45 tax form is given a reprieve
The P45 has been given a reprieve by the UK tax authority after employers said they did not want to see it go.

EMA replacement 'failing young'
A report suggests poor young students are dropping out of college because the government's bursary scheme is "inadequate".

Borrowers 'shunning credit cards'
Demand for credit cards is "feeling the strain" as UK borrowers turn to other forms of finance, a report suggests.

House prices 'up 0.6% in January'
UK house prices increased by 0.6% in January, according to the latest survey from the Halifax.

Euro crisis 'could damage China'
A eurozone recession could almost halve Chinese growth this year, according to a report by the International Monetary Fund.

Bank lending 'to shrink' in 2012
UK bank lending is set to shrink this year for the first time since 2009, according to the Ernst & Young Item Club.

Businesses 'cautious' on future
UK firms plan to cut back on capital investment and hiring as the UK economic outlook remains gloomy, a report suggests.

Final bids for retailer Peacocks
Six serious bidders remain in contention to take over the Cardiff-based clothing retail firm Peacocks, struggling with £750m debts, BBC Wales understands.

Tesco Bank delays account launch
Tesco Bank is not expected to launch its current account until next year in order to take advantage of new rules.

Brazil sells control of airports
The Brazilian government privatises operations at three airports as part of moves to upgrade transport links ahead of the World Cup.

2012 venue naming rights for sale
The Olympic Park Legacy Company has launched a process to recruit sponsors of venues beyond London 2012.

Gers Whyte may have lied to court
BBC Scotland uncovers evidence which suggests Rangers owner Craig Whyte may have lied in court.

Redknapp 'one half of Odd Couple'
Harry Redknapp and former Portsmouth FC chairman Milan Mandaric were like "The Odd Couple", a court hears.

VIDEO: Greece restarts debt crisis talks
The BBC's Aaron Heslehurst on the resumption of Greece's debt crisis talks and China's refusal to pay a new EU airline tax.

AUDIO: Peston on the Glencore Xstrata merger
One of the richest men in Switzerland, Ivan Glasenberg, is about to become even richer with the merger of Glencore with a mining company called Xstrata in a deal is worth £57bn. Robert Peston has more details on the creation of GlencoreXstrata Incorporated.

VIDEO: Connecting the future of business travel
As almost any road warrior will tell you, wi-fi connectivity is becoming more and more important and necessary.

AUDIO: 'Unemployment emergency' in UK
David Miliband: A "deep structural problem" is breeding youth unemployment in Britain

VIDEO: Why payday loans are on the up
Total bank lending in Britain is set to shrink for the first time since 2009 and the lack of credit from mainstream banks could help payday loan firms grow further.

AUDIO: Life as a manufacturing apprentice
Apprentices at a missile manufacturing firm told Radio 5 live what they like about the schemes and what they would change.

VIDEO: Perfect weather for ice wine makers
For Czech Republics ice wine makers freezing temperature is just right for harvesting grapes.

VIDEO: Many to lose pet insurance cover
Thousands of pet owners have been told that they will not have their insurance policies renewed by Lloyds TSB and Halifax.

What the Dickens is the author worth?
Valuing the author's brand, 200 years after his birth

Road warriors struggle to get connected
Road warriors struggle to get connected

Bristol launches its own currency
Keeping it within the local economy

Tales of woe from the roaming professionals
When working in a new country can prove unlucky

Credit where it's due
Would Scotland inherit the UK's triple-A rating?

China loosens grip on yuan
Foreigners allowed to invest directly using yuan

Snow difficulties and your rights
Your rights if you are unable to reach work owing to snow and ice