SOLE INTENTION: Shoe Studio, which sells brands such as Pied a Terre and Roberto Vianni, has been the subject of a management buyout from US retailer Nine West.

£38m DEAL: Aerospace and defence components manufacturer Cobham is to buy South African manufacturer Omnipless for £38 million. The firm employs 110 people and makes and sells antennae used in mobile satellite communications.

SIMON SAYS: Safeway's finance director Simon Laffin is to take responsibility for all property and development at the supermarket chain. It is currently rolling out four new formats.

BAR BOUGHT: Property group Compco has bought a number of London properties, including the Smiths restaurant and bar at Smithfields, for a total of £6.6 million. It has sold its interest in a north London studio development for £4 million.