Universal Music is poised to file with Brussels for approval of its £1.2bn takeover of EMI’s recorded music arm as early as this week.

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EMI pension in £200m talks with Citi

The US bank Citi has started talks with EMI's pension trustees to put cash into the scheme, which could cost it up to £200m.

Terra Firma in second round bid for garden chain

Terra Firma, the private equity firm controlled by the City financier Guy Hands, is among a small number of buy-out companies that have submitted second-round bids of up to £300m to acquire the Garden Centre Group (GCG).

The golden age of cinemas

Before identikit multiplexes, a trip to the movies meant audiences could see bold architecture as well as a film. Chris Beanland celebrates the picture palaces of the past

Money talks: the men who really own Britain

The abuse scandal at a Bristol care home has put the shadowy world of private equity in the spotlight. Who's behind these financial titans?

Chaucer sells up to Hanover

Chaucer, the Lloyd's of London insurer, has agreed to sell itself to Hanover of the US for £313m after losses mounted from the Japanese earthquake and other natural disasters.

Pa-pah pa-paaaah PAH! Presenting the star of screen advertising

Every film buff knows the Pearl & Dean signature tune. And selling that jingle is the best job in media, says the firm's chief. Laura Chesters meets Kathryn Jacob

Terra Firma could voice interest in Chaucer bid

Just days after losing the music giant EMI, Guy Hands's investment vehicle Terra Firma is back in pursuit of a deal – in the rather less glamorous world of insurance.

David Prosser: End of the road for Hands at EMI

Outlook The EMI saga is finally drawing to a close. Having taken control of the music company, Citigroup will presumably offload it to the highest bidder, finally removing the uncertainties under which the company's employees and performing artists have been labouring since Terra Firma's takeover began to go so badly wrong.

Guy Hands' Terra Firma to appeal EMI court ruling

Terra Firma, the private equity firm run by Guy Hands, is to challenge a US court ruling it was not conned into paying too much for music business EMI in a £4.2bn deal three years ago.

The Business On: Tony Pidgley, Chairman, Berkeley Homes

This is no time to be a builder – why does he look so cheerful?

Doughty wins battle for Vue

Doughty Hanson has agreed to buy Vue Entertainment, Britain's third-biggest cinema chain, in a deal believed to be worth £450m, including debt.

Stephen Foley: The song may have ended but for Guy Hands, the malady lingers on

US Outlook: It is sometimes said that to understand is to forgive, but that won’t apply to David Wormsley.

Terra Firma may be on shaky ground as EMI case concludes

If it weren't worth billions, the trial would sound like a schoolyard spat, with childhood nicknames and allegations of lying. Stephen Foley reports

Hands' nemesis takes the stand in EMI trial

The banker accused of betraying private equity kingpin Guy Hands over the purchase of EMI took to the stand to defend his integrity last night, saying he had always been as truthful and honest as he could.

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