COMPANIES

The UK's broadcasting regulator Ofcom said it is investigating Sky News after it admitted hacking private email accounts in pursuit of the "canoe man" story.

Vodafone nabs C&W to gain access to UK's largest fibre network after rival Tata drops out of running.

he sequel to the best-selling (multi-million) action game from Radical Entertainment - Prototype 2, is expected to launch in UK with world's first 18+ (adults only) live outdoor advertisement, announces Activision.

Microsoft has posted record revenue overall for the first three months of this year of $17.4 billion â€" a 6% hike on last year.

Sony's PS3 3D display bundle, with Full HD (1080p) support is now available for purchase in UK.

Aquascutum's manufacturing plant in Corby has been closed by the administrators of the fashion brand leading to the loss of 115 jobs at the factory.

British Beer and Pub Association claims government was "wrong" with beer tax raise.

Britain's largest bookmaker's earnings driven by mobile app and online growth

The reduction in fine was reportedly due to the co-operation of British Airways in the OFT investigation that reassessed the pricing of passenger fuel surcharges.

Walkout of potential rival Tata Communications sees deadline extension granted.

The much awaited N7 challenge 'Operation: Resurgence' is finally underway this weekend for the Xbox 360 and PC platforms. However, BioWare is still uncertain about the new 'Mass Effect 3' multiplayer event proposed for PS3 (PlayStation 3) owners yet. The only good news is that efforts to resolve multiplayer issues for Sony's flagship console are on full swing.

Verizon Wireless saw revenues and sales grow, as well as its customer base, giving a boost to Vodafone stock.

Spectris Plc is expected to go for some small acquisitions after acquiring IRM, Sixnet and Omega in the previous year which add a significant strategic growth platform for its Industrial Controls segment. The group is scheduled to release its interim management statement on Friday.

GSK offered $13 a share in an "unsolicited" bid for the US pharmaceutical company, but it was rejected as not being good enough.

IMI Plc says it is well placed for the future with a clearly defined strategy which should deliver further sustainable margin improvement and long-term growth, notably through the acceleration of its new product agenda and increased exposure to the faster growing emerging markets.

The French catering firm was boosted by strong demand in Latin America and saw revenues and profits rise.

Department store group posts solid earnings, but says Olympics, Jubilee celebrations will hit second-half trading

Biotech company has high hopes for forthcoming drug trial despite revenue decline.

Global brewer sees Latin America, Africa sales offset European slowdown

Speculations about a possible successor to the chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway has resurfaced along with the news of his prostate cancer.

A decline in sales growth for Heineken in western Europe was offset by growth in other regions of the world, helping the brewer deliver solid first quarter sales.

Recently Fitch Ratings revised its long-term outlook for Ladbrokes Plc, Britain's second-biggest bookmaker, to Stable from Negative with long-term IDR (Issuer Default Rating) at 'BB+' and short-term IDR at 'B'. The betting and gaming group is scheduled to release its first-quarter trading update on Thursday.

SABMiller Plc plans to revamp breweries with $2.5 billion investment in Africa as the group sees strong prospects for increasing its volumes, revenues and profitability.

'Mass Effect: Paragon Lost' is the first of its kind animated film from FUNimation and Production IG (joint venture) in association with BioWare that depicts the events preceding 'Mass Effect 3' game.

Shares weaker in pre-market trading as profits drop 24 percent

Electronic Arts (EA) seems to be in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, with Mass Effect 3 (ME3) hurtling from one controversy to another notwithstanding. To add fuel to the fire, the game maker is reportedly banning angry gamers from EA's servers after the latter expressing their displeasure on the BioWare Social Network (BSN) forums.

ASML Holdings NV reported a drop in its first-quarter earnings by 24 percent, as its backlog orders from top clients such as Intel and Samsung shrinked. Shares of the group fell as much as 3.5 percent at 0928 AM CEST on Amsterdam Stock Exchange.

The world's largest primary silver producer said its silver output for the first quarter met expectations, while its gold output exceeded them.

Demand for luxury goods increasing in Asia and the US.