Bunzl seeks more takeovers

Bunzl, the disposable goods giant which sells everything from plastic cutlery to surgical gloves and facemasks, is on the hunt for more deals after spending £77m on six acquisitions so far this year.

The chief executive, Michael Roney, said: "We expect to complete more acquisitions later this year." The group, which is facing tough conditions amid falling demand from the construction and public sectors, posted a 9 per cent rise in first-half profits to £152m and raised its dividend by 9 per cent to 8.8p.