Aston Martin stockmarket floatation

Luxury carmaker Aston Martin is set to float on the stock exchange to raise funds to aid its expansion. The listing could value the business at £500 million.

Source: Motor Trader 10-06-2008
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PPR buys Sowind stake

French luxury goods group PPR has acquired a 23% stake in Sowind, the Swiss watch maker.

Source: The Times 10-06-2008
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Virgin launch new urban hotel brand

Virgin Group is to launch a new urban hotel brand. Jackie McQuillan spokeswoman for the Virgin Group said it was "very much in the development stage" and will be an "urban hotel concept". Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Group founder, has said he would like to develop a hotel brand based on Starwood´s W hotel, "urban townhouse properties, halfway between a hotel and a private club".

The first properties are expected to be in New York, London and Los Angeles, all served by the company´s airline Virgin Atlantic.

Source: Caterer-online.com 10-06-2008
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Average bill for a wedding passes £20k mark

The average wedding now costs £20,273, up £5,630 on five years ago, according to a survey of 1,500 brides-to-be by You & Your Wedding magazine. Experts attribute the rise to the influence of high-profile celebrity nuptials.

As well as wanting a honeymoon wardrobe, brides-to-be are also demanding weight loss treatments and gym membership to prepare for their wedding.

Source: Daily Mail 10-06-2008
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