IN BRIEF

Private equity firms are circling Costa Coffee ahead of a potential £3billion sale of the chain. Those thought to be considering a move include Bain Capital, CVC and TPG. Owner Whitbread is pressing ahead with plans to spin off Costa in a separate listing on the London Stock Exchange.

Chef Tom Kerridge’s new cook book proved a recipe for success for Bloomsbury. His Lose Weight For Good title sold more than 70,000 copies in one week. The continuing success of the Harry Potter books also conjured up a jump in profits at the publisher, which rose from £9.4million to £11.6m in the year to the end of February.

Topps Tiles has seen profits tumble by nearly a third after the Beast from the East storms and the timing of Easter hit sales. The group, which has 375 stores across the UK, made £6.4million for the six months to March 31.