Journalists

Applegreen revenue and earnings jump on the back of acquisitions 

Revenue at petrol forecourt retailer Applegreen jumped 41pc to €2bn last year, according to annual results from the group.

Critical Healthcare signs €10m deal with global emergency services company 

Critical Healthcare has signed a €10m deal with Danish emergency services company Falck.

Boost for 5G as Vodafone grows Docklands trial 

The country's biggest mobile operator, Vodafone, is extending its 5G trial coverage in Dublin's Docklands.

Rags to riches: Famous fans and slick supply chain are key to Zara's success 

SALES at Inditex - owner of the Zara group of mainstream fashion stores - topped €26bn for the first time last year.

Property group Savills warns of 2019 'uncertainties' 

SHARES in Savills fell by over 4pc in London yesterday after the group reported a 3pc fall in profits last year.

Irish health company finalises €10m deal 

Irish-owned Critical Healthcare has signed a €10m deal with Danish emergency services company Falck.

Mincon shares up more than 3pc on 'good year' 

Shares in drilling equipment maker Mincon were trading up over 3.4pc yesterday after the group reported a 21pc increase in revenue to €117.7m last year.

Citi European Economic Area investment firm commences trading 

Citi Bank has started offering its products and services from a new entity within the European Economic Area (EEA).

Asos hit by problems in the US as sales increase 11pc 

Online fashion retailer Asos suffered from a "significant" short-term despatch back log in the United States after demand exceeded expectations.

Revenue increases 21pc at Dublin-listed Mincon Group 

Drilling equipment maker Mincon saw its revenue increase by 21pc to €117.7m in the 12 months to 31 December 2018.

Savills warns of tough year but cites 'particularly strong' results from Ireland 

Savills reported a 3pc fall in profits as the estate agency warned of a tough year ahead due to economic and political uncertainty.

EML Payments to create 20 jobs in Galway hub 

Australian payment solutions provider EML Payments is to create 20 jobs with the establishment of a technology and innovation hub in Galway.

Retailers struggle to compete as shopping on smartphone doubles 

Shopping on mobile phones has doubled in the last year, as consumers turn away from traditional shops.

Kenmare performance should please shareholders - analysts 

Irish-owned titanium miner Kenmare Resources reported a 162pc increase in profit after tax to $50.9m (€45m) last year, a performance analysts said should please shareholders.

Dublin now fifth in Europe for expat rental costs 

Dublin is now the fifth most expensive city in Europe for expats to rent accommodation in.

Dublin improves in the 'Quality of Living' ranking 

Dublin has improved one place to 33rd in the latest ‘Quality of Living’ ranking from international consulting group Mercer.

Fired-up Domino's delivers 'steady' progress in Ireland 

Domino's Pizza said its progress in Ireland was "steady" last year, with a much stronger second half compensating for a slow start to the year.

PHP out to grow health portfolio to €300m as it snaps up centre 

Primary Health Properties, a UK investor in healthcare facilities, plans to spend €300m on healthcare centres in Ireland by the end of 2021.

Mothercare to sell ELC toy shops in UK for €15m 

Troubled retailer Mothercare UK is to sell its Early Learning Centre business to the owner of toy chain The Entertainer for up to £13.5m (€15.6m) as it seeks to cut its debt pile.

Grafton CEO Slark's pay package jumps to €2.3m 

Gavin Slark, the chief executive of Grafton Group, saw his total remuneration increase by approximately 20pc in 2018 to £2,040,000 (€2.3m) from £1,689,000 (€1.9m).

Aryzta stock rallies on evidence of stabilisation 

Aryzta shares surged to close 10.7pc higher in Dublin yesterday, after results which were seen as evidence of stabilisation in the baked goods giant after a capital raise last year.

Slark’s remuneration increases 20pc at Grafton Group 

Gavin Slark, the chief executive of Grafton Group, saw his total remuneration increase by approximately 20pc in 2018 to £2m (€2.3m) from £1.7m (€1.9m).

Mothercare UK to sell Early Learning Centre business 

Mothercare UK is to sell its Early Learning Centre business to the owner of toy chain The Entertainer for up to £13.5m (€15.6m) as it seeks to cut its debt pile.

Dominos reports 'steady' progress in Ireland where the casual dining market is 'booming' 

Dominos Pizza said its progress in Ireland was "steady" last year, with a much stronger second half compensating for a slow start to the year.

UK's Primary Health Properties acquires Dublin healthcare centre for €10.9m 

Primary Health Properties, a UK investor in healthcare facilities, has acquired a healthcare centre in Dublin for €10.9m.

Organic revenue grows at Cuisine de France owner Aryzta, reflecting 'ongoing stabilisation' 

Troubled Swiss-Irish food group Aryzta has reported organic revenue growth of 0.7pc in the six months to 31 January.

Ryanair to 'wait on outcome of probe' with 135 aircraft on order 

Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary said his airline will not rush to judgment after the fatal crash of the Ethiopian Airlines flight, as the Irish carrier prepares to take a delivery of similar jets.

Isif backs €22m Green Isle food firm acquisition 

The Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (Isif) has backed the acquisition of the Green Isle food business by a group led by Maurice Hickey, the former CEO of Tayto-maker Largo Foods.

Smurfit Jr's Gan sees shares rise as it wins new US casino market deal 

Shares in Gan were trading up over 7pc in London yesterday on news that the group has made further progress in the US market.

United Oil & Gas buys into African prospect 

London-listed United Oil & Gas has bought into a prospect in West Africa, its first excursion into the continent.

CX Index expands with Canadian deals 

Dublin software group CX Index has expanded into the Canadian market.

Norwegian Air 'in close dialogue with Boeing' following deadly plane crash 

Norwegian Air has said it is "in close dialogue with Boeing and follow both their and the aviation authorities’ instructions and recommendations."

Smurfit Jr’s Gan continues US expansion 

Dermot Smurfit Jr's Gan has extended its relationship with Parx Casino to include the State of New Jersey.

Dublin firm CX Index expands with Canadian deals 

Dublin software group CX Index has expanded into the Canadian market.

United Oil and Gas acquires first African licence 

London-listed United Oil & Gas has acquired its first African license.

ISIF backs €22m acquisition of Green Isle Foods and Donegal Catch 

The Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) is backing the acquisition of the Green Isle and Donegal Catch by a group led by Maurice Hickey, the former CEO of Tayto-maker Largo Foods.

'Unprecedented' uncertainty from Brexit impacting SMEs 

The "unprecedented" uncertainty from Brexit is starting to impact small and medium businesses in Ireland.

Ireland ranks higher than Britain, the US, for working women 

Ireland ranks higher than Britain and United States for working women.

North American arm of CRH continues acquisitions 

Oldcastle Infrastructure, the North American arm of CRH, has acquired Florida-based Suntree Technologies for an undisclosed amount.

Hunt confirmed as CEO of AIB 

AIB has confirmed that the regulatory fitness and probity assessment process and consultation with the Minister for Finance in respect of the proposed appointment of Dr Colin Hunt as CEO of the bank has concluded successfully.

Fewer that one in three employees feel empowered to innovate 

Fewer that one in three employees feel empowered to innovate in the workplace, according to research from professional services firm Accenture.

VR Education revenue up in first results since IPO 

VR Education has reported revenue of €716,000 for 2018, a 15pc increase year-on-year.

Prepaid Financial Services acquires prepaid card portfolio of Barclaycard 

Payments technology firm Prepaid Financial Services (PFS) has acquired the prepaid card portfolio of Barclaycard in the UK.

Irish entrepreneur a finalist in 2019 Cartier Women’s Initiative 

Irish entrepreneur, Tracy O’Rourke, the CEO and founder of Vivid Edge, has been named as a finalist of the 2019 Cartier Women’s Initiative.

Revenue up 15pc in VR Education’s first set of full year results 

London and Dublin-listed VR Education has reported revenue of €716,000 for 2018, a 15pc increase year-on-year.

Origin building up stock in the UK ahead of Brexit as revenue jumps 20pc 

Argi-Services firm Origin Enterprises said it is building up inventories in its UK businesses ahead of Brexit.

Paddy Power Betfair betting on name change as earnings rise 

Paddy Power Betfair is proposing to re-name the company to Flutter Entertainment.

'We may be living in an era where housing will never outstrip demand' - Glenveagh COO warns as company reports loss of €3.5m 

Ireland's housebuilders may never reach the 35,000 unit a year mark that analysts believe is necessary, according to Glenveagh Properties chief operating officer Stephen Garvey.

Ladbrokes parent will switch servers to offset Brexit risk 

Ladbrokes owner GVC is planning to move some of its servers to Ireland as it prepares for Brexit.

Skytek and Aon in space-based tie-up 

Dublin-based software company Skytek has entered a strategic partnership with professional services group Aon.

Builders and truck drivers see pay hikes of nearly 20pc 

Truck drivers and construction workers appear to be benefiting most in terms of pay increases as the labour market tightens.

Drive on: truck drivers and construction workers see the biggest pay rises 

As the labour market tightens, truck drivers and construction workers appear to be benefitting most in terms of pay increases.

Growth in services sector picks up, but sentiment declines 

Growth in the services sector picked up in February, as the number of new orders expanded.

Ladbrooks owner moves some services to Ireland ahead of Brexit 

Ladbrooks owner GVC is moving locating servers hosting its online gambling platform to the Republic of Ireland as it prepares for Brexit.

Dublin-based Skytek in strategic partnership with Aon 

Dublin-based software company Skytek has entered a strategic partnership with global professional services group Aon.

Draper Esprit portfolio company raises $55m 

Trustpilot, a portfolio company of Dublin-listed Draper Esprit, has raised $55m (€48m) in a series E funding round.

Causeway backs UK recruitment tech MBO 

Dublin-headquartered private-equity firm Causeway Capital has backed a management buyout of UK-based GTI, a specialist provider of technology and information products for the graduate recruitment market in Ireland and the UK.

Greencoat to finance deals with share issue 

Dublin-listed Greencoat Renewables is looking to raise more than €100m to finance acquisitions in Ireland.

Firms behind 'smart heart' monitoring technology secure millions in funding 

Two companies at the forefront of new smart heart monitoring technology have secured millions of euro in backing as once futuristic biosensors are set to go mainstream.

888 takes a €17m punt on BetBright tech boost 

Online casino group 888 has acquired Dublin-based sports-betting platform BetBright in a deal worth £15 (€17.4m).

Dublin-based BetBright acquired by 888 for €17m 

Online casino group 888 has acquired Dublin-based sports betting platform BetBright for £15 (€17.4m).

Irish private equity firm invests in UK media and technology solutions group 

Dublin-headquartered private equity firm Causeway Capital has invested in media and technology solutions group GTI.

Greencoat swings into profit in 2018 

Dublin-listed Greencoat Renewables has reported a profit of €43.5m for 2018, a swing on the loss of €2.5m reported in 2017.

Regional hotels 'face UK exit, VAT challenges' 

Regional hotels are facing "serious challenges" despite record numbers of tourists last year, according to lobby group the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF).

Restructuring safety net for SMEs rises to €200m 

The European Commission had agreed to increase Ireland's Rescue and Restructuring scheme budget to €200m from €20m.

Consumers' jitters see sentiment drop to lowest level in four years 

Consumer sentiment last month fell to its lowest level since November 2014 amid growing concerns of a no-deal Brexit.

Vodafone to help victims of domestic violence 

Vodafone Ireland has launched a policy aimed at supporting employees who have experienced domestic violence or abuse.

Irish businesses now stockpiling raw materials ahead of Brexit date 

The clearest evidence yet has emerged of stockpiling by Irish businesses ahead of Brexit in the latest evidence of how the UK's planned exit from the EU is hitting Irish industry.

Finance chief steps down from troubled digital bank Revolut 

Fast-growing digital challenger bank Revolut has seen its Irish-born finance officer resign, as it grapples with claims of money laundering.

Revolut denies suspicious transactions took place during systems 'failings' 

Fintech group Revolut has denied that any sanctioned transactions have taken place through the bank due to “failings” in its systems.

Manufacturers raise stock levels at record pace as Brexit looms 

With just 28 days to go before Brexit stocks levels among Irish manufacturers grew at a record pace last month.

AIB proposes 42pc increase in dividends despite fall in profits 

AIB has reported profit before tax of €1.25bn in 2018, down from the €1.31bn in profit reported in 2017.

Exclusive Thousands of Vodafone customers' messages sent to other numbers in technical glitch 

Around 5,000 Vodafone Ireland customers were impacted by a technical problem last week.

One to watch: Revenue increases at Virgin Media Ireland 

Revenue at Virgin Media Ireland increased by 7pc last year to €446m.

Tullow Oil board hits UK gender target 

Tullow Oil has appointed Sheila Khama and Genevieve Sangudi as non-executive directors to its board.

Consumers continue to spend solidly in January 

Consumers continued to spend solidly in January, according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

Revenue at Virgin Media Ireland increases 7pc in 2018 

Virgin Media Ireland revenues increase by 7pc last year to €446m.

Waterford-based VR Education wins education award in Dubai 

VR Education has won the Best Digital VR/AR product at last night’s GESS Education Awards in Dubai.

Wealth management group St. James’s Place to extend services in Ireland following acquisition 

Wealth management business St. James Place has acquired Dublin-based pensions and investment firm Harvest Financial Services.

Tullow Oil announces a number of board changes 

Tullow Oil has appointed Sheila Khama and Genevieve Sangudi to its board as non-executive directors.

Revenue tops €24bn at IAG as Aer Lingus delivers record performance 

Revenue at Aer Lingus owner IAG increased 6.7pc to €24.4bn in 2018.

Operating profit jumps 19pc at Woodie's DIY owner, boosted by Irish performance 

Grafton Group, which owns Woodie's DIY, has reported a 19pc jump in operating profit to £194.5m (€227m) in the 12 months to 31 December.

CRH delivers record earnings of €3.37bn in 2018 

Building materials group CRH has reported record earnings of €3.37bn in respect of 2018.

'I'd be a Brexiter' - Teeling slams EU 'nanny state' 

One of the country's best-known and most successful entrepreneurs, John Teeling, has said European Union regulations have stymied the ability to establish and grow businesses.

Eir says poor customer service a 'key priority' 

Eir chief executive Carolan Lennon said tackling a poor reputation for customer service, which she blamed in part on temporary disruptions, was now a "key priority" for the telecoms operator.

Cannabis next big thing, says John Teeling, the man who revived Irish whiskey 

By the time we get to our 70s most of us are ready to retire - not John Teeling. He's looking at his latest radical departure.

Tech group Workhuman to create 150 jobs as part of €4m expansion 

Software firm Workhuman – formerly known as Globoforce – is to create 150 jobs in Dublin as part of a €4m expansion.

Earnings increase 15pc at Eir 

Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, and amortisation increased 15pc to €141m at Eir in the three months to 31 December.

Shares in FBD up over 3pc on results 

Shares in insurer FBD were up over 3pc in early morning trading today after the group recorded profit before tax of €50m last year, in line with the €49.7m reported in 2017.

Profit jumps 45pc at Permanent TSB, as Masding hails 'transformational year' 

Profit before exceptional items and tax at Permanent TSB increased 45pc year-on-year to €94m in 2018, in what CEO Jeremy Masding described as a "transformational year" for the bank.

Income and property values up at Green Reit 

DUBLIN-LISTED Green Reit has reported a 2pc rise in rental income to €34.4m for the six months to December 31, 2018.

Europa Atlantic prospect 'could beat Corrib' 

AIM-listed Europa Oil & Gas says it has a one-in-three chance of hitting commercial gas at its Inishkea prospect off the northwest coast of Ireland.

Power play: Ireland left facing huge bill for failing to hit EU targets on renewables 

Almost half of EU member states have already hit 2020 climate change targets, while Ireland lags behind on renewable energy.

Cubic Telecom connects with Skoda to win in-car tech-support contract 

Cubic Telecom has entered a partnership with Skoda motors to enable connectivity for drivers across Europe.

Europa Oil & Gas confident about Inishkea prospect in Irish Atlantic 

Europa Oil & Gas has announced a new prospect inventory for its Licensing Option (‘LO’) 16/20 in the Slyne basin off the Irish coast.

Kurt Geiger to open at Dundrum Town Centre 

London accessories brand Kurt Geiger is to open at Dundrum Town Centre.

Dublin-based Cubic Telecom connects with Škoda deal 

Sandyford-based Cubic Telecom has entered a partnership with Škoda motors to enable connectivity for Škoda drivers across Europe.

Carillion audit probe extended back to 2013 

The investigation into the auditing of collapsed construction giant Carillion has been extended to date back another year as the UK accounting watchdog continues its probe.

Rental income and property values increase at Green Reit 

Real estate investment trust company Green Reit has reported a 2pc rise in rental income to €34.4m in the six months to 31 December 2018.

Profits up Clayton Hotel’s owner as revenue per room increases 

Ireland's biggest hotel group, Dalata, has reported a 13pc increase in profit before tax of €87m for 2018.

An Post contract delivers Avantcard jobs boost 

Avantcard is to create 40 jobs at its headquarters in Carrick-on-Shannon in Leitrim and its satellite office in Dublin.

Best Western in drive to add 10 Irish hotels 

The Best Western Hotels & Resorts (BWHR) brand wants to add 10 Irish hotels over the next five years, and is targeting owners, developers and investors on both sides of the Border. The chain - a shared brand for independently-owned hotels - is targeting existing properties and new-builds with at least 75 rooms.

Interest rates here to rise even though ECB won't hike until 2022 

Bank of Ireland doesn't expect the ECB to raise interest rates until 2022, but reckons lending rates here are set to increase.

Average weekly earnings grow 4pc in 2018 

Average weekly earnings grew by 4.1pc in 2018 to €761.65, according to data from the Central Statistics Office.

Online sales jump at SuperValu 

Online sales have jumped 25pc year-on-year at SuperValu.