Hales storm

Allied Domecq shareholders are said to be "furious" at extra payments made to former chief executive Tony Hales. They are to raise the issue at next month's AGM, when board members are expected to be questioned on why Hales, who left the wine and spirits group under a cloud in 1999, has had his £1m "golden handshake" topped up with pension and other financial benefits amounting to another £1.3m. Weak' Diageo Broker Schroder Salomon Smith Barney has downgraded its advice on global drinks giant Diageo to "sell" following an assessment of its likely growth this year. The finance house ­ UK arm of American-owned Salomon Bros ­ does not believe the Gordon's Gin-to-Johnnie Walker whisky group will meet its target of an 8% to 10% improvement in sales during 2003. Steak goes cold It looks like the end for the dining out stalwart of the 1970s, Aberdeen Steak Houses. The company is currently in administration with debts of more than £7m, but hopes that a single buyer might come to its rescue now appear to have foundered. Administrator BDO Stoy Hayward is preparing to sell the remaining 16 sites individually.