Italian restaurant chain Prezzo has issued a profit warning after solid Christmas trading failed to compensate for new outlet opening costs and a poor November.

Pubs operator JD Wetherspoon has seen sales fall 3.2% in the 11 weeks to January 13 as food demand failed to offset lower bar takings.

Music and books retailer HMV saw its market valuation increase by £50 million today after reporting a 9.4% rise in like-for-like sales over Christmas.

Subdued trading in the past six months has forced analysts to downgrade earnings forecasts for pubs operator Punch Taverns. The weak outlook wiped £115 million off the company's market value.

The long expected takeover of Regent Inns could become reality after it confirmed that several approaches had been made for the business.

Bookmaker Ladbrokes has dropped its opposition to racing service Turf TV after agreeing to show the channel in its 2,200 betting shops. The move could end a nasty industry fight over facilities to broadcast horse races.

Companies will continue to seek new listings despite tough markets, writes Susanna Twidale.

Analysts are expected to upgrade earnings for online gaming company 888 Holdings after a reassuring trading update.

Digital imaging group Photo-Me International has warned on profit for the second time in a month. At today's interims the company said product launch delays have hit revenue forecasts at its wholesale labs, a part of the Manufacturing division.

Troubled bingo and gaming operator Rank has scrapped its final dividend blaming the smoking ban and 'restrictive' gaming regulations.