Hollywood Bowl, Bloomsbury and Foxtons seek injections

An estate agent, publisher and bowling firm have sought more than £40m between them from shareholders in a scramble to cope with coronavirus, writes Hannah Uttley.

Agent Foxtons is hoping to raise £22m in a share placing worth around 20pc of its current value. The money will be used partly to repay a £5m overdraft.

Separately yesterday 10-pin bowling business Hollywood Bowl revealed it is seeking £11m from investors, while Bloomsbury Publishing plans to bring in £8.4m from a share sale.

The publisher has also cancelled its full-year dividend and slashed pay for top staff by 30pc in an effort to shore up its finances.