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1. Gucci boosts Kering
Sales at French luxury group Kering beat expectations in the third quarter. Led by its Gucci brand, it shrugged off — for now — fears about a slowdown in the sector. Revenue was up 28% at €3.4bn in the third quarter, beating analyst expectations of €3.26bn, according to Factset.
2. Green’s #Metoo scandal
Retail billionaire Philip Green was named in the British parliament as having taken legal action to try to prevent publication of allegations of sexual harassment against him. Earlier, The Telegraph newspaper said a leading businessmen had been granted an injunction by a judge preventing it from identifying him and publishing details of alleged sexual harassment and racial abuse of staff.
3. Third Point sues Campbell
Third Point LLC has sued Campbell Soup Co, alleging the soup and snack maker’s board misled investors about the competence of its directors and the way it carried out a recently completed strategic review. The lawsuit is the latest move in a proxy war in which billionaire activist investor Dan Loeb and his Third Point hedge fund want to replace Campbell’s board.
4. Hits and miss for Mattel
Mattel has reported a surprise rise in North American sales, allaying concerns about how the industry would be hit by the liquidation of retailer Toys R Us. The improving trend is down to stronger demand for the long-running Barbie doll, which has undergone a revamp. Mattel’s net sales, however, missed estimates because of lower demand in China and Europe. Overall sales fell 8% to $1.44bn in the third quarter. North American sales rose 5.6%.