The County Durham firm has increased its share of the domestic appliance repair market with the deal

Domestic appliance repair firm Pacifica has announced the acquisition of the Repaircare business from Screwfix Spares, expanding its national service capability.

The acquisition sees County Durham-based Pacifica take on all Repaircare client contracts and operational activities. These include a number of partnerships with major retailers and manufacturers, collectively accounting for around 80,000 appliance repair jobs per year.

Repaircare was originally part of the Connect Group, which was acquired out of administration by Screwfix in 2023. As part of the deal, more than 35 back-office and operational staff will transfer to Pacifica under TUPE arrangements, while around 120 subcontracted engineers currently supporting Repaircare’s nationwide operations will transition to Pacifica’s network of repair professionals.

The Repaircare brand will be fully-integrated into the group’s Pacifica Appliance Services division. Pacifica said the deal aligns with its sustainability strategy, which focuses on extending appliance lifecycles through repair services and reducing unnecessary waste.

The acquisition strengthens Pacifica’s national infrastructure, which delivers more than 360,000 appliance repairs annually through a network of around 350 directly employed colleagues and partnerships with more than 200 engineering companies across the UK.

Rob Johnson, managing director of Pacifica Appliance Services, said: “This acquisition represents a significant step forward in the continued growth of Pacifica Appliance Services. Repaircare has built strong relationships with leading retailers and manufacturers, and we are delighted to welcome both its customers and operational teams into the Pacifica family.

“Our priority is to ensure a seamless transition for all partners and their customers. With our nationwide network of skilled engineers, advanced technology platforms and proven operational expertise, customers can be confident that they are in safe hands.”

Dan Monaghan, CEO of Screwfix Spares, said: “We are pleased to complete this transaction that sees RepairCare joining Pacifica. This move allows Screwfix Spares to remain focused on its core business, supplying spare parts and accessories that keep products in use for longer. Colleagues who are transferring will join a specialist repair business with a strong national footprint and deep expertise in this area. We wish everyone every success in this new chapter.”

NEW YORK — Coca-Cola Co. shares jumped more than 6% to $80.21 in morning trading on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, after the beverage giant reported first-quarter results that topped Wall Street expectations and raised its full-year earnings guidance, driven by resilient global demand for its higher-priced drinks and strong execution in emerging markets.

The Atlanta-based company posted adjusted earnings per share of 86 cents, beating analysts’ consensus estimate of 81 cents. Revenue reached $12.47 billion, surpassing forecasts of approximately $12.24 billion. Organic revenue growth hit 10%, marking the company’s strongest performance in five quarters and reflecting successful pricing strategies alongside solid volume gains.

Coca-Cola raised its full-year comparable earnings per share growth outlook to 8-9% from a previous 7-8%, while maintaining its organic revenue growth target of 4-5%. The upbeat update signaled confidence in sustained consumer demand despite economic pressures in some regions.

CEO James Quincey highlighted broad-based strength across categories and geographies. Sparkling beverages, particularly zero-sugar and premium offerings, continued to perform well as consumers traded up within the portfolio. The company also benefited from disciplined cost management and operational efficiencies that expanded operating margins.

The strong results triggered enthusiastic buying, with shares easily outpacing the broader market. Volume surged in early trading as both institutional investors and retail traders reacted to the beat. The move pushed Coca-Cola toward its 52-week high and underscored its status as a defensive powerhouse in an uncertain economic environment.

Coca-Cola’s performance stands out amid mixed consumer spending trends. While some packaged goods companies have faced pushback against price increases, the world’s largest beverage maker has successfully balanced pricing power with innovation and marketing. Its diversified portfolio — spanning sparkling soft drinks, water, sports drinks, coffee and juices — has helped insulate it from category-specific slowdowns.

Analysts praised the results. Several firms raised price targets following the report, citing improved visibility into the year and the company’s ability to navigate inflationary pressures. The raised guidance was viewed as particularly encouraging, removing a layer of uncertainty heading into the critical summer selling season.

For investors, Coca-Cola remains a core holding in many portfolios thanks to its reliable dividend, global scale and brand strength. The stock’s 3%+ yield combined with steady earnings growth has made it a favorite for income-focused and defensive strategies. Tuesday’s surge adds to solid year-to-date gains and reinforces the company’s resilience.

The results come as Coca-Cola continues investing in digital transformation, sustainability initiatives and emerging market expansion. Management noted particular strength in developing regions where rising middle classes are driving demand for premium beverages. North America and Europe also contributed positively despite varying economic conditions.

Broader industry trends support Coca-Cola’s momentum. The shift toward premiumization — consumers choosing higher-end or better-for-you options — plays directly into the company’s strategy. Innovations like new flavors, limited editions and functional beverages have helped maintain excitement around core brands.

Challenges remain. Input cost pressures, foreign exchange volatility and changing consumer preferences require ongoing vigilance. The company has faced scrutiny over sugar content and environmental impact, prompting accelerated efforts in recyclable packaging and reduced-plastic initiatives.

Wall Street consensus remains bullish. Most analysts rate the stock as a Buy or Outperform with average price targets well above current levels. The combination of earnings visibility, dividend growth and long-term demographic tailwinds continues attracting long-term capital.

As trading progressed Tuesday morning, shares consolidated near session highs with healthy volume. Technical analysts noted the breakout above recent resistance, with potential near-term targets in the low-to-mid $80s if momentum holds. Options activity showed increased call buying, reflecting optimism.

Coca-Cola’s ability to deliver consistent results in a complex global environment highlights the strength of its business model. With a market capitalization exceeding $300 billion, the company remains one of the most valuable consumer staples franchises worldwide. Tuesday’s reaction demonstrates the market’s appreciation for reliable execution and forward-looking confidence.

Looking ahead, investors will watch second-quarter performance closely, particularly summer volume trends in key markets. Any further guidance updates or strategic announcements could provide additional catalysts. For now, the Q1 beat and raised outlook have set a positive tone for the remainder of 2026.

The day’s move reinforces Coca-Cola’s reputation as a blue-chip name capable of delivering growth and stability. As global economies navigate uncertainty, the company’s focus on essential consumer products and pricing discipline positions it favorably for continued success.

Moody’s Ratings has revised Thailand’s sovereign credit outlook from “negative” to “stable,” crediting improved political stability and progress on structural economic reforms.

Key Details:

• Moody’s has affirmed Thailand’s long-term local and foreign currency issuer ratings at Baa1, with the outlook shift announced by Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.
• The upgrade reflects the perceived stability of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s government, which has enabled greater policy continuity and reform momentum.
• Key reform priorities include easing business regulations and liberalising the energy market to encourage private sector competition.
• External pressures have eased, with reciprocal tariff negotiations bringing Thai customs duties more in line with regional peers, boosting export competitiveness.
• Pressure from the global energy crisis is considered manageable and comparable to other Baa1-rated nations.
• Private investment is recovering strongly, partly driven by the government’s ‘Thailand FastPass’ initiative, which accelerated private sector spending in Q4 of last year.

The upgrade signals a significant improvement in international confidence in Thailand’s economic and political trajectory, with analysts suggesting that successful execution of the planned structural reforms could deliver sustained GDP growth and a stronger fiscal position.

Moody’s upgraded Thailand’s outlook to “stable” primarily due to improved political stability and a clearer path toward structural economic reforms.

The key drivers cited by the agency include:

• Reduced Political Uncertainty: The stability of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s government has mitigated the political volatility that previously weighed on the economic outlook, allowing for essential policy continuity.
• Reform Momentum: The administration is actively pursuing reforms to boost business flexibility and liberalize the energy market, which Moody’s views as a positive trajectory for long-term growth.
• Easing External Pressures: Negotiations on reciprocal tariffs have reduced trade friction, aligning Thai customs duties with regional peers and enhancing export competitiveness.
• Resilient Private Investment: There is a robust recovery in private investment, accelerated by the government’s “Thailand FastPass” initiative.

While global energy price pressures remain a concern, Moody’s determined that the resulting impact on Thailand’s debt and economy is manageable and comparable to other nations with a Baa1 rating.

Moody’s cited the stability of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s government as the primary factor in improving political stability, which in turn enabled progress on structural reforms.

The key reforms the government is focused on, which are seen as driving the improved outlook, include:

• Easing Business Regulations: Streamlining bureaucratic hurdles to make it easier for businesses to operate.
• Liberalising the Energy Market: Opening up the power sector to foster private sector competition.

These reforms are designed to create new economic engines and boost the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with the long-term goal of achieving a more robust fiscal position.

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A renewed push to raise taxes on wealthy individuals and corporations in New York City is drawing criticism from business leaders as policymakers weigh how to balance budgets without driving away investment.

O’Leary Ventures Chairman Kevin O’Leary joined FOX Business’ Stuart Varney on “Varney & Co.” to weigh in on proposals targeting high earners, arguing the approach risks undermining the economic activity cities rely on.

“Shark Tank” star Kevin O’Leary calls out Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s NYC tax policies. (Andrew Harnik, Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images)

“Well, let’s just look at the policy itself and stay out of the emotional aspect of it… These people do not live in the city, they do not burden the city with anything because they’re obviously out-of-towners,” O’Leary said.

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His comments come as major firms and high-net-worth individuals increasingly signal a willingness to relocate capital in response to tax policy, a trend that has reshaped migration patterns across several high-tax states in recent years.

O’Leary pointed to the role that outside investors play in funding development and supporting local economies through spending and taxes.

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“They spend 5 million plus dollars… Not using any of the city’s services, which is what the city needs, less people putting pressure on it. They pay taxes, and they pay maintenance jobs to maintain the buildings,” he said.

He argued that policies targeting those investors risk discouraging activity that cities depend on.

“Let me count how many ways this policy is stupid… You want more of these people… That don’t live here, pay taxes, pay maintenance, create jobs… And don’t use the city’s services, that’s sheer blind stupidity, that policy,” O’Leary said.

The debate highlights broader questions about how cities can balance revenue needs with maintaining a competitive environment for investment and growth.

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Citadel CEO Ken Griffin called New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s viral video—which singled out Griffin and his Manhattan penthouse while announcing a new tax—a “personal attack” and a “profound lack of judgment.”

On April 15, Mamdani posted a video spotlighting Griffin’s property to announce a new pied-à-terre tax. The move prompted the hedge fund CEO to threaten to pull a $6 billion development project from the city. 

The video features Mamdani, who has promised to levy higher taxes on wealthy New Yorkers, standing on a street just outside Griffin’s 24,000-square-foot property. Griffin purchased the home in 2019 for $238 million, marking the most expensive home sale in U.S. history.

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Citadel Founder and CEO Ken Griffin called New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s viral video singling out his Manhattan penthouse while announcing a new tax a “personal attack” and a “profound lack of judgment.” (Denis Balibouse / Reuters)

“This is an annual fee on luxury properties worth more than $5 million, whose owners do not live full-time in the city. Like for this penthouse, which hedge fund CEO Ken Griffin bought for $238 million,” Mamdani said in the video.

Speaking at the Norges Bank Investment Management 2026 Investment Conference in Oslo, Griffin questioned the “demonizing” of business leaders.

“What upset me was the personal attack,” Griffin said. “Like, you were at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday where they tried to assassinate the president. Not too far from where I live in New York is where they assassinated the CEO of UnitedHealthcare.”

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New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks during a press conference at Staten Island University Hospital Community Park on April 27, 2026, in New York City. Mayor Mamdani was joined by Gov. Kathy Hochul, government officials and members of the New York Ne (Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images)

“So I think the willingness of the mayor of New York to make this policy debate a personal attack just demonstrated a profound lack of judgment,” he added. “I understand that New York has bills to pay.”

Following the video, Griffin—who primarily resides in Florida—signaled that he might cancel his latest project in Midtown Manhattan. He is currently slated to meet with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to discuss the “future direction of New York.”

“Here’s the real question: is New York going to put their fiscal house in order and run itself from a position of a strong government that is pro-business, or are they looking to play … why do the Americans think we can do socialism?” he asked. “We have none of that in our DNA and we are just going to screw it up.”

FOX Business has reached out to Mamdani’s office for comment.

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Earlier this year, Hochul attempted to tax wealthy New Yorkers leaving the state.

She has since pleaded with them to return amid concerns over the state’s shrinking tax base. Recently, she introduced a tax proposal specifically targeting high-priced second homes in New York City.