PROPERTY group Savills said its UK residential estate agency business had performed strongly since June, with a calmer market in the past six weeks.
It said stability was also being provided in other areas – such as property management and consultancy – while cost savings were providing a boost.
Buying plans for VT Group
SUPPORT services firm VT Group said it was planning an acquisition spree after selling its holding in shipbuilder BVT Surface Fleet.
The news came as the Southampton-based group reported a 16% rise in underlying pre-tax profits to £44.6m for the half-year to September 30.
On track
RACECOURSE owner Arena Leisure said racegoers were continuing to show resilience to the recession, with attendance levels up by 20,000 to 279,000 in the four months to October 31. The group, which owns courses including Doncaster and Royal Windsor, forecasts trading to remain in-line for the year as a whole.
Cash call
INDUSTRIAL chainmaker Renold announced a £26.9m shareholder cash-call to protect against a “delayed recovery”. The news came as the group slumped into the red with pre-tax losses of £8.8m in the six months to September 30.
Uniq disposal
CONVENIENCE foods group Uniq has reached agreement on the planned sale of its Netherlands operation to Benelux investment group Gilde Equity Management, for £18m.
