Dualit unveil  latest innovation: the NEW Cocoatiser Hot Chocolate Maker.

Enjoy cafĂŠ quality hot chocolate at home, every day. With the Cocoatiser™, you can make velvety smooth hot chocolate, to rival even the finest coffee shops! No need to buy a special brand, use your favourite chocolate or experiment with different types or flavours. The range of unique, patented accessories ensures perfectly texturised frothed milk for a variety of chocolate drinks including hot chocolates, mochas, chocolate milkshakes and more. It’s the ultimate luxury gift for hot chocolate lovers!

Domestic appliances deal cleared by the CMA

Following a provisional clearance in February, the CMA is now allowing the proposed deal between Arçelik and Whirlpool to go ahead.Arçelik and Whirlpool are two of the largest suppliers of major domestic appliances (MDAs) in the UK, including washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers and cooking appliances. Arçelik supplies MDAs primarily under the Beko, Blomberg and Grundig brands, and Whirlpool supplies MDAs primarily under the Indesit and Hotpoint brands.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) referred the deal to a Phase 2 review after initially identifying concerns which warranted further investigation during its Phase 1 investigation.

Since then, an independent CMA panel has gathered and analysed a wide range of evidence – including seeking views from businesses and customers – in order to assess the potential impact of this deal.

The panel reviewed evidence which showed that while Arçelik and Whirlpool both have strong market positions, they will continue to face significant competition from other suppliers. This includes well known suppliers and brands such as BSH (including its Bosch and Neff brands), Haier Group (including its Hoover and Candy brands), Samsung and LG; retailers’ ‘private label’ brands such as Logik and Bush (Currys and Argos); and more recent entrants such as Hisense.

The evidence also showed that the competitive landscape has changed considerably in recent years and continues to do so. Whirlpool’s market position in MDAs has significantly declined over the last decade, and it is likely that its European MDA business will be fundamentally different in the future. At the same time, suppliers such as Haier Group and Hisense have gained market share, and it is likely that they will continue to expand. These market dynamics are supported by a range of evidence, including from internal documents, financial analysis and third parties.Arçelik will set up a new standalone business, Beko Europe B.V., to which Arçelik will contribute its European MDA and small domestic appliances businesses and Whirlpool will contribute its EMEA MDA business. On completion of the deal, Arçelik will hold c.75%, and Whirlpool will hold c.25%, of the shares in Beko Europe.

Currys should hold out for ÂŁ1bn takeover offer, says shareholder

Currys shareholder has said the retailer should hold out for an offer worth ÂŁ1bn amid the ongoing takeover saga between Waterstones owner Elliott Advisors and Chinese online shopping giant JD.com.

JO Hambro Capital Management (JOHCM) UK Equity Income fund, which is a top 10 shareholder, said an offer between 80p and 100p per share would be “acceptable”.

Bosch opens Experience Centre in Malaysia

Bosch strengthens presence in Malaysia with first-ever Flagship Experience Centre showcasing innovation and customer engagement.The centre, located in Damansara Utama, Selangor, embodies Bosch’s commitment to providing a unique and interactive experience for its customers

Job cuts announced at Whirlpool 

Whirlpool made the surprise announcement that the company will be shifting to “a more simplified and focused business model as part of its ongoing portfolio transformation.”
The company confirmed in a prepared statement that the transformation includes job cuts.
Job elimination discussions were said to have commenced this morning. Monday’s focus is apparently looking at reorganizing the top layers of the company and select areas of work.No word yet on the number of job cuts associated with the announcement

Rangemaster new logo

Rangemaster unveils a new logo and brand identity at kbb Birmingham. It coincides with their first appearance at the exhibition in 10 years and a series of manufacturing and range developments within the business following a multi-million-pound investment in their Leamington Spa factory.Implemented a powder paint facility and developed a ‘next generation’ construction across its range cookers. The rollout will begin with the Estel Deluxe and Edge Deluxe families