Expert views
Commentary submitted by Dan Coatsworth in their own words.
Back to profileZurich granted more time over potential £8bn Beazley takeover
So far, they’ve only agreed in principle on the terms of a takeover deal.
Owner of Ben & Jerry’s shrugs off dispute while ice cream profits melt
Investors were still unimpressed by the big drop in annual profit and cash flow.
Schroders agrees to £9.9bn takeover by US investment giant Nuveen
It is the second FTSE 100 member to receive a takeover bid so far in 2026.
AstraZeneca profits jump by 40% amid strong demand for cancer drugs
All big pharma companies strive to have a vibrant pipeline of drugs in development as these are the key to revenue growth.
BP halts share buybacks and ramps up cost-cutting as profits slump
One tough decision has been taken out of the hands of incoming BP chief executive Meg O’Neill as BP has put share buybacks on hold and scaled back spending in the face of weaker energy prices.
Barclays to home in on AI as profit jumps and boss handed £15m pay packet
Barclays’ diversified interests typically work in its favour.
Shell profits slump by more than a fifth amid oil price rout
This is a pretty ugly set of numbers for the company.
BT sales slip after shedding broadband customers
BT is good at talking up its prospects, but the figures paint a different picture.
Insurer Beazley agrees £8 billion takeover by rival Zurich
It was clear from previous statements that Zurich was determined to own Beazley.
GSK posts higher profits but indicates sales growth to slow in 2026
Reports suggest he may target M&A to augment GSK’s growth – with a focus on under-the-radar pharma and biotech.
Disney appoints theme parks boss as its next chief executive
Investors will be hoping this handover is smoother than the previous time Iger surrendered the reins.
AstraZeneca secures tie-up with Chinese firm for weight loss drugs
AstraZeneca is a giant in the world of medicines and it makes sense for it to turn up the dial on weight-loss drug developments