What the Sunday papers said
The World Cup will boost much of the country's economy but some firms, such as DIY giant Kingfisher and Pizza Express owner Gondola Holdings expect a big fall in business as football fans remain glued to television screens for the best part of a month. The Sunday Times identifies Punch Taverns as a likely winner, with many fans preferring to watch England games in the pub, rather than from the comfort of their sofas. It says pubs without TVs, like JD Wetherspoon, could feel the pinch. Meanwhile the Centre for Economics and Business Research estimates £285m for the economy could be generated by liquor sales in pubs, clubs and off-licenses if England makes it through to the semi-final. - Sunday Times
Fresh from his (failed) attempt to buy Mitchells & Butlers, property tycoon Robert Tchenguiz is said to be interested in buying London City Airport. Mr Tchenguiz has contacted Morgan Stanley, which is handling the sale process on behalf of the airport's owner, billionaire Dermot Desmond. London City Airport has a price tag in the region of £300m. - The Business
Fledgling spirits group Blackwood Distillers is preparing for a £30m London Stock Exchange flotation. Blackwood sells high-end specialised spirits in 34 countries. Products include Diva Vodka and Jago Strawberry Love, a cream and vodka cocktail. - Independent On Sunday
Indian entrepreneur Vijay Mallya, who chairs UB Group, has emerged as a surprise contender to buy Tattinger, the world's sixth-largest champagne producer. The Indian conglomerate is believed to be among a handful of interested parties who submitted final bids last week. UB's offer of around £408m is believed to be one of the highest. - Sunday Telegraph
Gas prices in the UK are almost certain to rise if the proposed merger between Gaz de France and the Franco-Belgian company Suez goes ahead, warns UK gas and electricity company Centrica. In a strongly worded complaint to the European Commission, Centrica says the merger would be a "threat to effective competition in UK gas markets". - Sunday Times
Women can drink small quantities of alcohol during their pregnancy and not harm the unborn child, according to a report by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. The group has rejected warnings from doctors that drinking a couple of glasses of wine a week can cause babies to develop learning difficulties and behavioural problems. - Sunday Times
This weeks results:
- Monday - Punch Taverns (interims)
- Thursday - Mitchells & Butlers (Q3)
- Friday - Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries (interims); Young & Co (interims)
