24/07 – Today’s headlines from across the EU

EUROPEAN HEADLINES

FT – Nikkei wins duel for FT Group with last-minute bid of £844 million. “We’ve reached an inflection point in media” John Fallon, Pearson CEO. “Editorial independence is the FT’s true store of value…” Lionel Barber, editor. “We share the same journalistic values [as the FT]” Tsuneo Kita, Nikkei CEO.

WSJE – Pearson inks deal to sell FT to Nikkei. Pearson PLC on Thursday said it would sell FT Group, which includes the Financial Times newspaper, to Nikkei Inc. of Japan for £844 million

INYT – Obama revisits a complex part of himself. Trip to Kenya reflects his increased interest in Africa since re-election.

FRANCE

Le Monde – French MPs impose a fourfold increase of the carbon tax. The assembly adopted the law on energy transition on Wednesday.

Les Echos – Europe overwhelmed by the startups frenzy. In the first half of the year, over $7 billion has been invested in hi-tech flagship companies. The Old Continent starts giving birth to international digital giants.

GERMANY

Frankfurter Allgemeine (FAZ) – “Islamic State” assault on Turkish army poisition. PKK launches attacks against police officers; there are serious allegations against Ankara.

Suedeutsche Zeitung (SZ) – Daimler catches up with BMW. Daimler CEO Zetsche has managed to catch up the Bavarian rival with record sales and high return due to new models and tough austerity programs.

ITALY

La Repubblica – Ilva trial, Vendola is also involved. Ilva’s executives are accused of an environmental disaster and of causing residents’ death. The most serious charge is brought against the steel society owners, Fabio and Nicola Riva, but the former Puglia’s governor, Nichi Vendola, is also questioned for he might have received payoffs.

Il Sole 24 Ore – Bankruptcy reform: what it changes for businesses. Small and medium-sized companies will have to pay their creditors back at least 20% of what they owe before being able to declare bankruptcy and benefit from government assistance.

POLAND

Gazeta – Unprofitable SKOKs. The Sejm’s Financial Committee has passed a report on SKOK saving and credit cooperative financial institutions and postulates that an investigating committee is formed to screen pathology in the system. Minister of Finance Mateusz Szczurek disclosed that PLN 1.2 billion had disappeared from five biggest SKOKs.

SPAIN

El Pais – Barcelona removes Juan Carlos busts and reviews monarchical symbols. Felipe VI warns Mas that “the respect of the law is not, nor should it ever be, a mere formality or an alternative”.

Expansion – Euskaltel purchases R for €1.15 billion. Euskaltel purchases 70% from CVC and 30% from Abanca, making the consolidation of the North cable easier.

The Times – Scandal of last-minute £500m aid giveaway. Taxpayers’ cash used in rush to hit Cameron target.

The Guardian – Labour warned that Corbyn victory risks SDP-style split. Wealthy donors may also desert party, says Mills.