British retail and real estate conglomerate led by Mike Ashley
Harvey Nichols has been put up for sale after successive losses and is drawing bids from Frasers Group and Next as owners seek £50m–£60m; Mike Ashley has called the chain in a "death spiral" and says a lower price will be needed. Separately, UK high street restructuring plans have won court approval while retailers use AI to trace complex apparel supply chains.
Scottish Water executives have received substantial performance payments amid rising household bills and ongoing sewage concerns. Critics say payouts undermine public trust as the government grapples with wage and bonus controls in the sector.
Frasers founder has warned the high street could be "further devastated" without major business-rate cuts, criticizing the Prime Minister's approach while Downing Street promises action to back British business. The exchange highlights a broader push to reform rates for pubs, clubs and live venues as part of a wider cost-of-living agenda.
Frasers has built its Hugo Boss holding to about 47.9% and says it aims to exceed 50% of shares and voting rights. The move follows Harvey Nichols acquisition and a failed bid to take Hugo Boss private. The group says there is no certainty it will achieve the majority and it is reviewing support for Hugo Boss chair Stephan Sturm.
Frasers has expanded its ownership of Hugo Boss to almost 48% and will appoint a second representative to the luxury brand’s supervisory board as part of a broader push toward majority control. Hugo Boss’s chairmanship will be filled by a successor after its chair steps down on Oct. 15.