MEDIA BITES

SUNDAY INDEPENDENT

Richard Barrett’s Bartra Capital Property Group plans to build more than €600m worth of residential and commercial property over the coming years.

The development company is working on 454 residential units, and 1,581 bedrooms in shared living, student accommodation, and nursing homes.

However, construction has been slowed by considerable levels of objections, including more than 200 over a planned development in Bulloch Harbour in south Dublin.

SUNDAY TIMES

David Scott, a businessman who previously sold cafés to the Patisserie Valerie chain, has emerged as a potential buyer of the scandal-hit business.

Mr Scott has hired Transcend Corporate as his M&A advisers. They are contacting shareholders in Patisserie Valerie about a potential exit.

Patisserie Valerie was plunged into turmoil after a cash shortfall was discovered. Its finance director Chris Marsh was later suspended.

ANSA

Italian Finance Minister Giovanni Tria said his government would intervene to help in the event of a crisis in the country’s banking sector.

The government’s spending plans have rocked markets but the comments by Mr Tria – echoing those of other senior figures – may soothe investor nerves somewhat. He did not specify what form assistance might take.

WIRTSCHAFTSWOCHE

Lufthansa may offer frequent travellers prepaid ticket packages.

The packages could consist of 10 tickets, valid for 12 months, worth as much as €1,000. The airline is considering introducing them as early as next year.