Sunday newspaper round-up: Bond investors, Reckitt Benckiser, Tate&Lyle

20th Oct 2024 11:33

(Sharecast News) - Government bond investors are signalling to the Chancellor that her plans for an additional £80bn of debt will not trigger and Liz-Truss style panic. But that will only hold true if she first establishes clear annual expenditure plans and lays out the economic case for the projects that she wants to fund. The new borrowing would be on top of spending cuts and tax hikes needed to fill a £22bn hole in the country's finances. Chief secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones, has promised that "independent checks and balances" will be instituted to ensure value for money. - The Sunday Times

Reckitt Benckiser is preparing the sale of its £6bn homecare unit to private equity. Among the potential buyers of the division, which manufactures Air Wick air fresheners or Cillit Bang cleaners, are Apollo Global Management, KKR and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice. CVC and US outfit Carlyle have also been approached in order to gauge their interest but sources close to both firms said neither was likely to table an offer. The homecare unit-s sales hit £1.9bn during the previous year but no separate profit figures were known. - The Sunday Times

US private equity outfit Advent is plotting a takeover of Tate & Lyle. The news, first reported by the Financial Times, sent shares in the manufacturer of artificial sweeteners sharply higher, taking its market capitalisation to £3bn. Advent's past purchases and later dismemberment of Cobham and Ultra Electronics sparked outrage. - The Financial Mail on Sunday

Boeing's striking workers will vote on a proposal to end the dispute on 23 October. The labor deal may put an end to their month-long walkout. The jetmaker has offered workers a 35% pay rise. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers said that the negotiated proposal and resolution to end the strike were "worthy of consideration". Federal Democratic lawmakers pressed both the company and union representatives to reach a deal. - Guardian