Sunday review; and Mike Ashley to save BHS?

Olly Shah, of The Sunday Times, and Neil Craven, of the Mail on Sunday, appear to be leading the coverage on this weekend's major business story - the potential collapse of department store chain BHS.

Here are links to their pieces:

That "own goal" gaffe

Much of the mainstream business press dubbed Mike Ashley's comments to The Times earlier this week as an "own goal" by the maverick entrepreneur and owner of Newcastle United (I'm pretty sure I saw at least two headlines containing "own goal").

That's because Sports Direct's shares tanked about 10pc (they are down another 3pc today) after Ashley spilled the beans to the intrepid hackette at The Times about a potential profit warning.

Mike Ashley said to eye a European purchase

Interesting to see Mike Ashley's Sports Direct deny speculation that the company is planning buy shoe chain Office. Here is a link to the statement from Sports Direct: http://www.investegate.co.uk/sports-direct-intl---spd-/rns/trade-speculation---office/201406300700158347K/

I spent the whole of last week trying to stand up a story that Ashley - a true maverick - is trying to purchase a retailer in "Europe" (i.e. outside of the UK) for the Mail on Sunday's business section.

House of Ashley

Being a rather self-deprecating chap (I'm half English, after all) I tend to avoid shameless self promotion. But on this occasion, I can't resist.

Last Monday, I congratulated Ben Marlow, the M&A reporter over at The Sunday Times, on Betaville for getting the scoop about the £450m takeover of House of Fraser by China's Sanpower Corporation.

House of China

Great scoop from Ben Marlow over the weekend about House of Fraser.

Ben, currently the M&A reporter at The Sunday Times, revealed that one of China's richest men is in advanced talks to buy the 165-year-old department store chain from its eclectic bunch of shareholders.

Why wrestling is important for Newcastle United

Here is a tale about a potential US deal that may have significant implications for Newcastle United Football Club.