FORMER DSG International chief executive John Clare has been appointed non-executive chairman of budget flight retailer Cheapflights. Oliver Burge is stepping down as chairman after six years, but will remain as a non-executive director.
California to Diageo’s taste
DRINKS giant Diageo has agreed to buy California-based wine producer Rosenblum Cellars, which owns the Zinfandel brand, for $105m (£52.5m). The vineyard’s founder, Kent Rosenblum, will stay on.
Healthy firm
MEDICAL recruiter Healthcare Locums says that 2007 results will be in line with management expectations. Broker Seymour Pierce said it was forecasting £32.5m of net fee income, up 100% on the £15.9m for 2006.
Leaving board
IRN-BRU and Tizer maker AG Barr has said that two long-serving directors are to leave the board. Operations director Alan Bibby and finance director Iain Greenock, who have both been with the Cumbernauld firm for more than 30 years, will step down in March and July respectively.
Hopes build
DUBLIN-BASED housebuilder McInerney Holdings has said 2007 profits will be in line with market hopes, despite “more challenging” conditions. The firm added that it hopes to continue growing its UK business as interest rates fall.
Warning sign
INFORMATION technology services firm Maxima Holdings warned on full-year profits yester- day, after revealing sever- al major work packages with a large client were cancelled. Broker Seymour Pierce cut its underlying earnings forecast for the year to May by 9%, to £9.5m.
On right lines
CONTINUED demand from UK-based model railway and Scalextric fans ensured Hornby reported a strong finish to 2007 trading. The group said it experienced significant growth in its UK market before Christmas. Demand for its European brands was also strong.
