Barclays Portugal targeted by US vulture funds

barclays2U.S. investment funds Apollo Global Management and Centerbridge Capital Partners are interested in purchasing the retail banking assets of Barclays in Portugal and Spain.

The British bank has started the sale process for its Iberian branch networks but aims to retain its high net worth private clients and corporate accounts in Portugal.

Banco Espirito Santo International audit finds 'irregularities'

besAn audit requested by the Bank of Portugal into the accounts of Espirito Santo International detected "irregularities," according to BES which said the international bank is to be reorganised.

The Securities Commission report comes after an external audit into the bank between September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2013 "found irregularities in their accounts and concluded that the bank is in a serious financial situation.”

The audit committee of the Espírito Santo Financial Group (ESFG) “also identified material irregularities in the accounts,” although it took an external report for the bank to admit to the situation.

EN125 roadworks to resume in July

4683In the face of a government decision announced earlier this week to maintain the suspension of roadworks on the Algarve’s overloaded EN125 road, work is to resume, according to a well-timed pre-election announcement.

Estradas de Portugal stated today that it has reached agreements with the subcontractors for the Algarve coastline road that will save the taxpayer €507 million and that work on the road will resume in July.

Portugal's taxpayers fund police image makeover

pspuniformNew "more youthful" uniform for Portugal’s Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública) will cost €6 million a year.

In the face of severe cuts to all public services in Portugal, smart new uniforms in sky blue that have been designed to make the wearer look "more youthful," will cost € 6 million per year as the current dark blue uniform is phased out.

No respite on British VAT

4801British Prime Minister Cameron has said that he cannot promise to reduce VAT after the next election.

His statement came during a pre-election walk-about in Newark. A market trader there said that the high tax was keeping him from being able to expand his picture framing business.

More criticism reigns down on Ryanair

ryanair2Now there is another chance to bash Ryanair as travellers have criticised it for its check-in procedure.

The criticism follows that made by passengers about hand baggage.

Netflix announces European expansion

netflixNetflix has announced that it will begin to operate in six countries in Europe.

The online tv and film streaming service will first extend its offering to the French, German and Swiss markets.

British toddler released from care

albufeirahotelparaisoThe British toddler who was taken from her parents for her own safety on Sunday has been released from hospital and will be going back to Belfast.

The girl spent three nights in Faro hospital after complaints about her mother’s drunken behaviour led to the police being called and removing the child from the Paraíso Hotel in Albufeira.