Latest news with #BlueDragon
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Allied Bakeries owner ABF confirms talks with Hovis backer Endless
Associated British Foods (ABF) is in discussions with private-equity firm Endless as the manufacturer weighs up the future of UK bread arm Allied Bakeries. In a brief statement on the ABF website, the UK group confirmed the two sides are in talks "regarding a potential transaction". Last week, ABF, which has its origins in the UK bread sector, said it had put Allied Bakeries up for review amid a 'very challenging market'. UK private-equity firm Endless has owned Allied Bakeries rival Hovis since 2020. "Associated British Foods plc notes recent media speculation and confirms that it is in discussions with Endless LLP regarding a potential transaction," ABF's statement read today. "However, there is no certainty that a transaction will be concluded nor as to the terms of such a transaction. "As stated in our interim results announcement on 29 April 2025, Allied Bakeries continues to face a very challenging market. We are evaluating strategic options for Allied Bakeries against this backdrop and we remain committed to increasing long-term shareholder value. A further announcement will be made as and when appropriate." The Allied Bakeries business markets bakery products under brands including Kingsmill, Sunblest and Allinson's. It also supplies UK retailers with private-label products. This embedded content is not available in your region. ABF, which also owns and operates the Primark clothing stores, does not break down the financial performance of Allied Bakeries or for other food brands within its grocery business such as Twinings tea and the Patak's and Blue Dragon sauces lines. Last Tuesday also saw the company report its financial results for the 24 weeks to 1 March. In terms of grocery, ABF's sales revenue dropped 2% to £2.09bn ($2.79bn). Operating profit was flat at £219m, while adjusted operating profit fell 1% to £227m. ABF said it posted 'good sales growth' in grocery 'across most of our brands' with the exception of Allied Bakeries and its cooking oils business in the US, which includes the Mazola brand. In commentary alongside the results, the company said: 'We continue to expect overall performance this year to reflect the normalisation of profitability in our US-focused businesses and an operating loss in Allied Bakeries.' Group results showed a 2% decline in sales to £9.51bn, while adjusted operating profit dropped 12% to £835m. "Allied Bakeries owner ABF confirms talks with Hovis backer Endless" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand.
Japan Forward
05-05-2025
- Japan Forward
Bonsai Museum in Saitama Reopens After Major Renovation
このページを 日本語 で読む After the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, bonsai growers from Tokyo relocated and formed a new community in Saitama Prefecture. This marked the beginning of Omiya Bonsai Village, located in what is now Saitama City. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the village's founding, the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum reopened on March 21 following a major renovation. The museum's updated concept presents it as an art museum dedicated to bonsai. It also features historical and ethnographic exhibits related to the craft. As the world's first public bonsai museum, how has it evolved over the years? I paid a visit to find out. One of the renovation's highlights is the garden pond. It has been expanded from its original 70 square meters (753 sq ft) to 100 square meters (1076 sq ft). A new still-water section was added, with a bonsai placed at the tip of a small peninsula. The tree's reflection on the mirror-like surface evokes the image of Mount Fuji inverted in a lake. Currently on display is a Japanese white pine named Seiryu ("Blue Dragon"), estimated to be around 350 years old. According to the museum, the tree's shape resembles a massive dragon coiling along the water's edge and lifting its head skyward, ready to ascend. Its reflection in the pond adds to the powerful and majestic impression. The "Blue Dragon" is reflected on the pond's surface in the museum's garden. (©Sankei by Kazuya Yanagihara) A new water system has also been introduced. Spring water now flows in from upstream, creating the soothing sound of running water. This dynamic movement contrasts beautifully with the stillness of the mirrored section. Because bonsai are sensitive to heat, they were previously protected with shade covers. The renovation includes a misting system around the pond, which helps reduce stress on the trees and also provides relief for visitors during hot weather. In fiscal 2023, the museum reported about 56,000 visitors. Of those, approximately 15% were inbound tourists. Many came from countries such as the United States and Australia, a sign that bonsai has become a globally recognized cultural symbol. About a 5-minute walk from JR Utsunomiya Line's Toro Station Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (March to October), 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (November to February), closed on Thursdays Admission: ¥310 JPY (about $2 USD) Author: Kazuya Yanagihara, The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
Independent Singapore
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Independent Singapore
Kim Soo Hyun's purported connections to the late Kim Sae Ron are called into question by new allegations of a romance with an idol starlet
KOREA: Dimsum Daily is reporting that Kim Soo Hyun is facing some attention right now because there are claims of a long-term relationship with the late Kim Sae Ron. What's causing a stir is that this relationship supposedly started back in 2015, when Kim Sae Ron was still a minor. Photo: Instagram/Kim Sae Ron Korean media outlet Money Today reported on April 26 that Kim Soo Hyun was in a three-year relationship with an idol starlet from 2016 and it overlapped with his military service from 2017 to 2019. This news challenges the allegations made by Kim Sae Ron's parents, who claim that their daughter dated Kim Soo Hyun for six years. Both in same management business According to an industry insider cited in the Money Today article, Kim Soo Hyun and the unnamed actress, known as 'A', started dating since they were under the same management agency, KEYEAST. Back in 2010, Kim Soo Hyun decided on a career change and moved from one talent agency called to another one named KEYEAST. He ended up staying with KEYEAST until when he decided to branch out and start his own agency, GOLDMEDALIST, with his cousin Lee Sa Rang. The insider is claiming that Kim Soo Hyun and this actress, who's only being referred to as 'A', called it quits sometime in the spring of 2019. That was roughly three months or so before he finished military service. The insider also mentioned that it was common knowledge within the entertainment industry that Kim Soo Hyun and actress A were a couple, making it seem unlikely he was also seeing Kim Sae Ron concurrently. They did, however, also imply that Kim Soo Hyun's team had remained silent in order to keep actress A out of the fray. Despite this, the report hasn't changed public opinion in favour of Kim Soo Hyun, even if it seemed to support him. The article's assertions have drawn criticism from some internet users who contend that it subtly validates rumours that Kim Soo Hyun had affairs with other women, including Kim Sae Ron, when she was still a minor. While some reports are bringing up this alleged long-term relationship, Money Today is saying the opposite. It is claiming that if Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron were ever romantically involved, it was only for a single year, specifically between 2019 and 2020. So, there are definitely some contradictions present. Numerous accolades Kim Soo Hyun, who was born in 1988, is a huge star in South Korea. Not only is he one of the highest-paid actors there, but he's also super talented and has a bunch of major awards, including five Baeksangs, two Grand Bells, and a Blue Dragon. Even Forbes has recognised him as a major power player and one of Asia's top young talents. Kim Soo Hyun is highly regarded for his acting skills and has won numerous awards throughout his career, including multiple Grand Prize (Daesang) awards at various Korean award ceremonies. He is also a popular figure in endorsements and was the first ambassador for MIDO Asia in 2021.
