ICI - Britain's Takeover Panel has given the Dutch conglomerate Akzo Nobel until Thursday August 9 to conclude terms with ICI, while trader talk has left stock markets expecting further news of Tesco's bid, and Sir Tom Hunter's countermoves, for Dobbies. 

Pittsburgh-based PPG has offered £1.5 ($3.3) billion including debt for the SigmaKalon Group. 

Decco have announced the appointment of Andy Birrell as manager at the Decco Copsey business in Ipswich. 

Best Value Conservatories Ltd has acquired the business and assets of LLP (formerly known as Laird Lifestyle Products) for an undisclosed sum. 

The Office of Fair Trading has today cleared Tesco's proposed takeover of Dobbies Garden Centres. 

Garden sector buyers can add a new name to their contact listings with the introduction of Monro Brands. 

Homeowners willing to undertake green diy work to make their properties more energy efficient should be rewarded with tax rebates, says Friends of the Earth. 

Tuesday's half year trading update for Woolworths showed the high street retailer benefiting from good performances in the Big Red Book, the Worth It range and 'indoor' products. 

William Sinclair Holdings has increased its shareholding in Freeland, a green waste recycling business, from 50% to 87.5%. 

Akzo Nobel faces shareholder rebellion; Beale sells up; John Lewis sees yet another storming week 

Travis Perkins has reported sales growth of 6.3% for its retail division following investment in new ranges and initiatives to attract trade customers. 

Plasti-kote, part of the Valspar Corporation, has said a recent £500,000 investment in a consumer advertising campaign has paid huge dividends. 

The Norfolk-based supplier of plants to UK supermarkets, Suttons Horticulture, has called in the administrators for it and its subsidiary, PA Moerman. 

Analyst raises concerns over the Home shopping group Flying Brands, which specialises in gifts, gardening and entertainment products. 

B&Q saw its sales of outdoor and garden products slump 20% as a result of the terrible weather over the last two months. 

The European Commission has cleared the way for US hedge fund, Cerberus, to acquire struggling diy chain, Focus. 

In response to the floods that have wreaked havoc across the north of England, Focus DIY is offering 20% discounts to damage victims. 

Husqvarna, Cuprinol and Westland were the big winners in this year’s GIMA awards, announced at Birmingham on Thursday July 19. 

Major sponsors have confirmed their support for Britain’s Best Retailer Awards, as the event heads for its fifth birthday in November. 

As expected, Tesco has extended the deadline for its cash offer to Dobbies Garden Centres shareholders.