French authorities are demanding that Google pays €1.6bn in back taxes, substantially more than the sum received by UK tax authorities.

The IMF says the global economy has weakened further and warns it is "highly vulnerable to adverse shocks".

Reports that Sharp has accepted a takeover offer from Taiwan's Foxconn sends shares in the struggling Japanese firm up more than 4.5%.

Crown Resorts, Australia's biggest casino company with operations in China, sees its profits tumble as Beijing continues its crackdown on corruption.

Struggling electronics giant Sharp has accepted a multi-billion dollar takeover bid from Taiwan's Foxconn, the first foreign buyout of a major Japanese technology firm

Communications regulator, Ofcom has said that BT must open up its cable network, so competitors can better connect the internet to homes and offices.

Lloyds Banking Group has reported a 7% fall in annual pre-tax profits to £1.6bn compared with £1.8bn a year earlier.

Annual profits at theme parks operator Merlin Entertainments edge up 0.3% despite last year's Alton Towers accident which left five people injured.