Broughton hits out at Hicks and Gillett ‘abuse’

Liverpool FC chairman Martin Broughton has insisted attempts by the club’s owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett to block the £300m sale to New England Sports Ventures was a “flagrant abuse” of their written undertakings to the Royal Bank of Scotland. Hicks and Gillett stand to lose as much as £140m if the sale goes through next week.

RBS agreement will hold key to legal challenge

The rights given to lenders as part of an earlier refinancing could hold the key to Tom Hicks and George Gillett's legal bid to delay the takeover of Liverpool FC, according to a legal expert.

Abingworth increases IS Pharma stake

International investment group Abingworth has become the largest shareholder in Chester-based pharmaceuticals company IS Pharma following a £3.6m share placing. The firm now has a 13 per cent stake in the business.

Private equity enjoys strong third quarter

Private equity enjoyed a strong third quarter accounting for £9.3bn of the UK deal value, compared with £3.6bn in the second quarter, according to latest management buyout research by KPMG. The largest deal in the North West to complete during the period was United Utilities’ sale of its non-regulated gas and electric metre business Meter Fit to joint venture partner Marlin Acquisitions for £119m.

Liverpool braced for Lennon fever

Liverpool is braced for a tourism boost ahead of the launch of the John Lennon Tribute Season on Saturday. The two-month festival includes a series of concerts, exhibitions and debates.

Grundy takes on North West role

David Grundy, the current managing partner for Grant Thornton in Manchester, is extending his role to become managing partner for the North West region. John Loebl and Neil Sturmey will support him as the head of office for Manchester and Liverpool respectively.

Fraud Breakfast - last few tickets remain

Only a few tickets remain for Insider's Fraud Breakfast taking place at the offices of law firm DLA Piper tomorrow morning.

Complete Set of Top 500s - Purchase all Six

You can now purchase Insider’s Complete Set of Top 500 Companies 2010/2011 Databases at an exclusive promotional rate: A bundle of our accurate and comprehensive regional business marketing lists - featuring six UK regions. Special promotional offer expires 31 January 2011.

Nobles secures £1m contract

Liverpool-based Nobles Construction has secured its second million-pound contract in the past week. The company has been appointed to carry out £1m refurbishment work at Arrowe Park Hospital by Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Liverpool and beyond for Enfinity

Belgium-owned renewable energy company Enfinity has opened its first UK office at The Plaza in Liverpool. Patrick Decuyper, co-founder and chief executive of Enfinity Europe, said the city “ticked all the right boxes” for its business needs.

Retail academy expands in Liverpool

Retailers in Merseyside are being encouraged to take advantage of a city centre training academy, which is expanding into new premises following 12 months of trading.

Tague on Tour: A European story to tell

Neil Tague has been casting his eye over the Cushman & Wakefield European Cities Monitor, in which Manchester saw some improvement. But what next for the city?

Talking Point: Let's work together

After Stephen Miles' recent comments to Insider that Manchester should be competing with Las Vegas as a conference city, Livesmart chairman David Wade-Smith believes the city should look to its North West neighbour to truly achieve greatness.

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