A tough Christmas beckons for retailers, but the worst may already be over

There is no doubt that 2005 has been a dreadful year on the high street and as the festive season approaches, most retailers are extremely cautious about their prospects. However, while the economic news has been highly discouraging for those retailers awaiting an upturn in their fortunes, according to retail specialists Verdict there may soon be light at the end of the tunnel ...

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A windfall tax on the UK energy industry is unlikely to prove beneficial

Upward pressures on UK wholesale gas and power prices are being driven by strained supply and demand fundamentals. Imposing a windfall tax on the UK energy industry is unlikely to resolve this issue whereas increased incentives for energy investment in UK gas storage facilities would go some way towards achieving that aim.

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A&L/Abbey National: further consolidation may be on the cards

Alliance & Leicester is considered to be a prime target for a takeover bid. Recent reports suggest that Abbey National is one interested predator. This may be the start of a new round of domestic consolidation in the UK retail banking sector. However, the major players are likely to miss out for regulatory reasons.

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AA / Shoosmiths: a personal injury push

The AA's partnership with Shoosmiths will allow it to compete with RAC's blossoming legal services division and capitalize on new opportunities in the sector. The services group's timing is appropriate, as regulatory changes in the law profession are likely to see a raft of familiar retail brands offering legal services. Like RAC, the AA is well placed at the vanguard of this shift.

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AA/Saga: insurer looks set to benefit from proposed in-house credit hire operations

In a move to tackle the costs associated with credit hire, AA/Saga plans to bring its arrangements in-house. Credit hire costs are a major source of claims inflation for motor insurers, and bringing credit hire in-house could generate a lucrative side line, while also giving it greater control over a key driver in claims costs.

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AA: the road to success

After its recent acquisition by private equity houses CVC and Permira, the AA has announced a major restructuring including an exit from the car servicing business and cutbacks of up to 1,300 jobs. The moves will create a more efficient, streamlined and profitable company.

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AAN 2012: Novartis presents new data in an attempt to boost confidence in long-term use of Gilenya

In keeping with American Academy of Neurology meetings of recent years, multiple sclerosis once again dominated proceedings at AAN 2012. Novartis used the platform to present new data from the extension FREEDOMS II trial to support the long-term use of Gilenya, and provided Phase II results for siponimod in relapse remitting multiple sclerosis.

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AAN 2012: research shows value of early disease identification, but caution in treatment is advised

At AAN 2012, Merck Serono presented data from a long-term study showing that early Rebif treatment significantly reduced the clinical progression of multiple sclerosis. However, early intervention should be used cautiously to avoid unnecessary treatment.

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Abbey National/Bank of Scotland: they've started, but will they finish?

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Abbey National/Credit Suisse: bailing out insurance

The day after the UK's FSA moved to reassure investors about the safety of the life and pensions sector, two more life insurers were forced to turn to their parents for funding. Although insurance companies claim they can withstand further equity falls, many are likely to be forced into strong measures, including capital injections and redemption penalties - or even closing to new business.

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