SBI Mutual Fund, India‘s largest asset management company, has filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with market regulator Sebi for an IPO, which will be entirely an offer for sale (OFS) by its promoters. The offer will see the sale of up to 20.37 crore equity shares of face value Re 1 each, with no fresh issue component, implying that the company will not receive any proceeds.

State Bank of India, the promoter, will offload up to 12.83 crore shares, while Amundi India Holding will sell up to 7.53 crore shares as part of the OFS. The weighted average cost of acquisition stands at Rs 0.15 per share for SBI and Rs 4.35 per share for Amundi. The total issue size in rupee terms has not yet been disclosed.

SBI Mutual Fund operates as the investment manager to its flagship mutual fund business and also offers portfolio management services (PMS), alternative investment funds (AIFs) and offshore advisory services.

The company serves over 1.6 crore unique investors as of December 2025 and manages mutual fund average assets under management (MAAUM) of Rs 6,06,139 crore, accounting for 48.05% of total mutual fund MAAUM.

It holds a 15.4% market share by QAAUM, making it the largest AMC in India. The firm also dominates adjacent segments, with a 39% market share in PMS and 61% in specialised investment funds. Its SIP franchise remains one of the strongest in the industry, with 1.57 crore live SIPs, reflecting deep retail penetration.

The AMC benefits from a dual-parent structure, combining SBI’s extensive domestic distribution network with Amundi’s global asset management expertise.
Financial performance

SBI Mutual Fund has reported strong and consistent financial growth over recent years. For the nine months ended December 2025, the company reported revenue from operations of Rs 3,251 crore and profit after tax of Rs 2,433 crore.
For FY25, revenue stood at Rs 3,598 crore, while profit after tax came in at Rs 2,540 crore, reflecting high profitability and operating leverage in the asset management business.

The company operates a debt-free balance sheet and has maintained robust return ratios, with return on net worth at 33.77% in FY25. Net worth stood at Rs 72,720 crore as of December 2025.

IPO structure and positioning

Given that the issue is entirely an OFS, the listing is primarily aimed at providing liquidity to existing shareholders and unlocking value, rather than raising growth capital. The proposed listing comes at a time when India’s mutual fund industry continues to see strong inflows, driven by rising retail participation, SIP growth and financialisation of savings.

The IPO is expected to draw strong institutional and retail interest given SBI Mutual Fund’s dominant market position, strong profitability and scalable business model.

Online reviews reveal what products truly deliver. Marketing claims sound impressive. Real user experiences show the truth. ExSeed Health maintains a 4.8 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot across several hundred reviews.

Customers consistently describe what industry awards confirmed: the best sperm test at home for accuracy, ease, and privacy.

What Users Say About the Process

Reviews mention speed repeatedly. One user noted the entire process took less than 20 minutes. Clear instructions guide sample collection. The provided cup makes the process simple. Men collect a semen sample in their own home without clinic appointments.

The test connects to smartphones for analysis. Results appear within minutes of sample placement. No sending samples to labs. No waiting days for phone calls. The speed surprised many reviewers who expected longer timelines.

Accuracy Comparisons

Several customers compared ExSeed test results with fertility clinic outcomes. Reviews mention matching numbers between home tests and laboratory tests. The concordance built confidence in the device.

ExSeed achieved over 95% accuracy compared to clinical lab equipment. The British Standards Institution verified performance independently. CE certification confirms the device meets medical standards. Manufacturing follows ISO 13485 quality requirements for medical devices.

Medical professionals review every test result before release. The team screens for abnormalities that automated systems might miss. Users receive data suitable for sharing with doctors. The dual-check process combines technology with human expertise.

Privacy Benefits Users Value

Reviews frequently mention privacy and convenience. Men avoid uncomfortable clinic visits. Sample collection happens in familiar surroundings without time pressure. No sterile rooms. No staff interruptions. No awkward conversations.

Results stay confidential within the app. Partners access information only with explicit permission. Nobody at medical facilities knows about testing unless users choose to share. Complete control over data reduces vulnerability.

Packaging arrives unmarked. No external labels identify contents. Discreet delivery protects privacy from the moment boxes arrive. Free shipping covers UK and EU orders.

Tracking Progress Over Time

One reviewer praised the ability to monitor improvements. The app stores all test results for comparison. Users see changes in sperm parameters across weeks or months. Graphs show trends in sperm count, concentration, and motility.

Customers implementing lifestyle changes can measure impacts. Diet modifications show results. Exercise routines affect outcomes. Sleep improvements influence hormone balance. The data proves which changes help most.

Test kits come in packages of 2, 5, or 10 tests. The 2-test kit provides a baseline assessment. Five tests allow for monitoring improvements. Ten tests support extended tracking. Refill kits start at £31.99 for continued monitoring.

What Gets Measured

ExSeed tracks total motile sperm count. Medical professionals commonly use the metric in clinical fertility assessments. The measurement combines three factors: volume, concentration, and motility.

Sperm concentration shows how many cells exist per milliliter. Concentration below 15 million per milliliter gets called oligospermia. Complete absence means azoospermia. The test flags values outside normal ranges.

Sperm motility indicates swimming ability. Cells must move forward to reach and fertilize eggs. Motility below 32% gets called asthenozoospermia. Progressive motility specifically tracks forward movement.

Semen volume reveals fluid production. Normal volume exceeds 1.5 milliliters. Low volume gets called hypospermia. Hormonal abnormalities or ductal blockage can reduce production. The test measures all parameters automatically.

Support Beyond Numbers

Each purchase includes a 15-minute consultation with a medical advisor. Fertility specialists interpret test results and answer questions. Users receive guidance on next steps based on their specific data.

The companion app provides personalized recommendations. Suggestions address diet, activity levels, alcohol intake, and sleep routines. A fertility-friendly cookbook comes with 5 and 10 test packages. The app builds tailored improvement plans.

Customer service responds during normal working hours. One reviewer mentioned helpful responses to questions. The medical team stays available through the app. Support continues throughout the fertility process.

Industry Recognition

ExSeed Health received two major awards at the European Fertility Society’s Fertility Care Awards in 2024. The company won Best Fertility Product and Best Fertility Mobile Application. Independent industry validation confirms the technology works.

The company was a finalist for the Amazon Launchpad Innovation Award in 2022. Multiple recognitions demonstrate credibility beyond customer reviews. Industry experts and users agree on the product quality.

Pricing and Value

The 2-test kit costs £84.99. Five tests run £149.99. Ten tests cost £219.99. Bulk packages reduce per-test expenses. The reusable device works for hundreds of tests with refill materials.

Returns stay free for 14 days on unused products. Premium delivery options exist for faster shipping. The pricing structure allows men to choose packages matching their monitoring needs.

When Testing Helps

Couples trying to conceive benefit from early male assessment. Understanding sperm health helps with informed decisions about next steps. Men can identify issues before pursuing expensive treatments.

Post-vasectomy users want confirmation about sperm present in samples. The device has not received specific certification for vasectomy verification. Users should mark vasectomy status in the app for extra careful medical review.

Men with family histories of male infertility can establish baseline data. Previous difficulty getting partners pregnant warrants investigation. Early testing reveals whether male factor infertility contributes to conception challenges.

Real User Impact

Reviews describe confidence gained from knowing fertility status. Some users reported improved motility after following ExSeed recommendations. Numbers changed from 7% to 35% over three months in one case. The combination of testing and guidance produced measurable results.

Customers appreciate avoiding clinic visits. The process feels less stressful than traditional laboratory tests. Men control when and where testing happens. Privacy and convenience remove barriers that previously prevented assessment.

Getting Started

All kits include the analysis device and testing materials. Detailed instructions explain each step. The smartphone app guides users through sample collection and analysis. Medical support comes standard with every purchase.

Free access to lifestyle programs begins immediately. The app evaluates habits and builds recommendations. Men receive helpful information tailored to test results. Support continues throughout the reproductive health process.

The best sperm test at home from ExSeed Health combines CE-certified technology with medical team review, helping men assess male fertility privately through smartphone analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does ExSeed measure motile sperm concentration and progressive motile sperm concentration accurately?

ExSeed tracks moving sperm cells through smartphone video to calculate motile sperm concentration and progressive motile sperm concentration with over 95% clinical accuracy.

Can the at-home sperm test detect low sperm count and sperm quality issues?

The at-home sperm test measures sperm count, concentration, and motility to identify low sperm count below 15 million per milliliter.

What makes ExSeed different from other male fertility tests available?

ExSeed measures total motile sperm count, combining volume, concentration, and motility, which medical professionals commonly use in fertility assessments.

How does analyzing a sperm sample at home compare to laboratory testing?

ExSeed analyzes sperm sample parameters matching laboratory standards with over 95% accuracy, verified by the British Standards Institution.

Can users track improvements throughout their fertility journey with multiple tests?

The app stores all test results, allowing users to monitor changes in sperm cells and parameters throughout their fertility journey.

Does the fertility test provide guidance on male reproductive health improvements?

The fertility test includes personalized recommendations for diet, exercise, sleep, and supplements to support male reproductive health.

How many tests should men complete for reliable sperm quality assessment?

Medical teams recommend a minimum of two tests to account for natural sperm quality variations and establish an accurate baseline fertility status.

Nearly one year after his death, Val Kilmer is returning to the screen through state-of-the-art generative artificial intelligence in the upcoming independent film “As Deep as the Grave,” with full approval from his estate and family.

The project, announced March 18, 2026, by First Line Films, marks one of the boldest applications yet of AI in feature filmmaking. Kilmer, the acclaimed actor known for iconic roles in “Top Gun,” “Tombstone,” “Batman Forever” and “The Doors,” died April 1, 2025, at age 65 from pneumonia following a long battle with throat cancer diagnosed in 2014.

Director-writer-producer Coerte Voorhees originally cast Kilmer in 2020 (with some reports citing as early as 2015) to play Father Fintan, a Catholic priest and Native American spiritualist in the fact-based historical drama. The film chronicles the lives of pioneering archaeologists Ann Axtell Morris and Earl Halstead Morris, who excavated sites in Mexico and the American Southwest from the 1920s to 1940s, focusing on their work in Arizona’s Canyon de Chelly and interactions with Navajo communities.

Kilmer passionately identified with the role, according to Voorhees, viewing it as an opportunity to highlight Ann Morris as the first prominent female archaeologist in North America and to explore Southwestern spiritual themes. Health complications from cancer and related treatments prevented Kilmer from filming any scenes, even as production delays pushed the project forward.

Rather than recast the part, Voorhees turned to generative AI to realize his vision. The technology recreates Kilmer’s likeness and performance using a combination of archival photos, footage from his younger years and later appearances, allowing the digital version to portray Father Fintan across different life stages. The AI-generated Kilmer will appear in a “significant part” of the finished film.

“This is a first-ever performance enabled by generative AI in collaboration with Val Kilmer’s estate,” the production stated. Voorhees emphasized close coordination with Kilmer’s daughter Mercedes Kilmer and other family members to ensure the depiction was respectful and true to the actor’s intent. Mercedes confirmed the family’s support, noting her father’s fascination with emerging technologies and his deep connection to the project.

The announcement follows a first-look image released by Variety showing the AI-rendered Kilmer in character, sparking immediate reactions across Hollywood and tech circles. Supporters praise the move as a fitting tribute that honors Kilmer’s unfinished commitment, while critics question the ethics of digital resurrection, even with consent, amid broader concerns over AI deepfakes, job displacement for actors and the authenticity of performances.

FIRST LOOK: Val Kilmer has been resurrected via AI to star in the new movie “As Deep as the Grave.”

Kilmer was cast in the movie in 2020, five years before his death. But he was too sick amid his throat cancer battle to ever make it to set. Now an AI version of the actor is… pic.twitter.com/OjWHUdrsXn

— Variety (@Variety) March 18, 2026

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This is not the first time AI has intersected with Kilmer’s career. In 2021, voice-cloning technology from startup Sonantic helped restore his natural speaking voice for the documentary “Val,” using old recordings to recreate dialogue after throat cancer treatments left him reliant on a voice box. That effort, approved by Kilmer, demonstrated positive applications of the tech for personal expression.

“As Deep as the Grave” joins a growing list of projects navigating posthumous performances. Earlier examples include Peter Cushing and Carrie Fisher in “Star Wars” sequels via CGI and deepfake-like techniques, and voice work for deceased artists in music or animation. Unlike those, which often used practical effects or limited archival material, the Kilmer case relies heavily on generative AI for a full, dynamic role.

The film’s ensemble includes Abigail Lawrie as Ann Morris, Tom Felton as Earl Morris, Wes Studi and Abigail Breslin in supporting parts. Originally titled “Canyon of the Dead,” the project shifted focus to emphasize archaeological discovery and cultural respect.

Voorhees described the decision as driven by both artistic vision and emotional weight. “When Val came on board five years ago, he immediately identified with the historical Southwestern spiritual character of Father Fintan,” he said in a statement. Family members reportedly reinforced that Kilmer “really wanted to be a part of this,” viewing the film as meaningful beyond entertainment.

No release date has been set, though the production aims for festival circuit entry and eventual distribution. The news arrives as AI tools advance rapidly in entertainment, raising SAG-AFTRA and other union discussions on likeness rights, consent protocols and compensation for estates.

For fans, the development offers a bittersweet opportunity to see Kilmer in a new light—one shaped by technology he embraced in life. Kilmer’s memoir “I’m Your Huckleberry” and his documentary revealed his philosophical outlook, including interest in spirituality and innovation, aligning with the film’s themes.

Whether “As Deep as the Grave” proves a respectful homage or sparks wider debate on AI in cinema, it underscores evolving boundaries in storytelling. With family blessing and technical precision, Kilmer’s final on-screen chapter arrives not through time travel, but through code.

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Artificial intelligence is emerging as a new source of legal and financial pressure for UK businesses, with more than a third now reporting a rise in low-merit claims generated using AI tools, according to new research from Irwin Mitchell.

The study, based on a survey of more than 80 senior in-house lawyers, highlights how AI is reshaping the litigation landscape—creating not only new efficiencies, but also new risks. Businesses say AI-generated claims are increasing legal workloads, absorbing senior management time and driving up costs at a moment when many organisations are already operating under tight margins.

Around 35% of in-house legal teams reported an uptick in claims, particularly from customers, where AI tools are being used to produce lengthy, highly structured legal arguments. While many of these claims lack substantive merit, they are often sophisticated enough to require detailed review and formal response.

Katie Byrne, Head of Commercial Dispute Resolution at Irwin Mitchell, said these claims are rarely successful but still impose a material burden on businesses.

“In-house teams are dealing with a growing volume of AI-generated, low-merit claims. Many are lengthy, legalistic and built from templates. Businesses say they rarely stand up, but they still consume time and budget, and are driving greater spend on cyber cover and claims handling,” she said.

The result is a growing layer of administrative and legal friction, particularly for mid-sized firms without extensive internal legal resources.

Alongside the rise in AI-generated claims, the research underscores a broader shift in legal risk priorities. Data protection and privacy breaches are now seen as the most significant AI-related litigation threat, cited by 55% of respondents.

Cyber insurance costs are also rising sharply. Nearly 70% of businesses reported higher premiums, while two-thirds said they are either expanding their cyber cover or reassessing liability limits in response to evolving threats.

This reflects growing concern at board level that AI, while improving productivity, also introduces new vectors for data leakage, misuse and compliance failures.

Despite the challenges, businesses are increasingly deploying AI themselves to manage the rising complexity of disputes. The research found that 64% of legal teams are already using AI tools to support litigation workflows, particularly in areas such as document review, disclosure and early case assessment.

More than half (51%) have also introduced internal governance frameworks to regulate the use of AI in legal processes, reflecting a growing emphasis on responsible deployment.

Byrne said the response from leading organisations is not to resist AI, but to integrate it strategically.

“Boards shouldn’t panic—they should prepare. The immediate priorities we’re seeing are clear governance for AI use, staff training to avoid data leakage, and practical triage to separate credible claims from AI-padded complaints,” she said.

The findings point to a wider evolution in how UK businesses view legal risk. Litigation is increasingly seen as an operational necessity rather than a reactive last resort, with 69% of respondents describing it as a strategic investment.

This shift is being driven by a combination of factors, including rising cyber threats, regulatory complexity and supply chain disruption. Cyber-related risks were cited most frequently (35%), followed by supply chain issues (21%) and regulatory divergence (17%).

Environmental and greenwashing claims are also gaining prominence, identified as the leading ESG-related legal risk by 33% of respondents.

The report also highlights mixed adoption of alternative litigation funding. While just over half of businesses use it occasionally, concerns around cost, complexity and loss of control continue to limit wider uptake.

Looking ahead, the intersection of AI and legal risk is expected to intensify. As generative tools become more accessible, the volume of automated claims is likely to increase further, forcing businesses to invest more heavily in both defensive and operational capabilities.

For UK firms already navigating economic uncertainty, the emergence of AI-driven litigation represents another layer of cost and complexity, one that will require a more sophisticated, technology-enabled approach to legal risk management.

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Legal technology company Harvey has signed Suits actor Gabriel Macht as a brand ambassador in an unusual move for the B2B sector, as competition intensifies in the fast-growing legal AI market.

Macht, best known for playing high-powered corporate lawyer Harvey Specter in the hit TV series, will partner with the company whose name was directly inspired by his on-screen character. The role marks a rare crossover between entertainment and enterprise software, where celebrity endorsements remain relatively uncommon.

While consumer technology brands have long leveraged star power, from Apple’s collaborations with musicians to Logitech’s campaigns featuring Hollywood actors, such partnerships are far less typical in enterprise-focused industries such as legal technology. However, the move signals a shift as AI firms seek broader brand recognition in an increasingly crowded market.

Macht said his decision to work with Harvey was rooted in the company’s trajectory and its approach to responsible AI deployment.

“I’m partnering with Harvey because I care about where this company goes,” he said. “I want to support a responsible approach that keeps public interest in view. Harvey’s momentum over the last three-plus years has made it a leading legal AI platform, helping teams change the way they work with AI, faster and with more clarity.”

Founded to bring generative AI into legal workflows, Harvey has rapidly gained traction among law firms and corporate legal departments looking to automate research, contract analysis and document drafting. Its growth reflects a broader shift across the legal profession, where firms are under pressure to improve efficiency while maintaining accuracy and compliance.

The partnership also coincides with the launch of Harvey’s new Instagram presence, @askharvey, as the company looks to build a more visible and accessible brand identity beyond traditional enterprise sales channels.

Winston Weinberg, co-founder and chief executive of Harvey, said Macht’s association with the legal profession made him a natural fit for the company’s next phase of growth.

“Gabriel’s legendary performance as a lawyer continues to inspire people to pursue law,” he said. “There’s no better spokesperson to support Harvey’s global brand growth and the launch of our Instagram account.”

The announcement follows a growing trend of brand-building across the legal AI sector. Earlier this month, rival platform Legora entered into a sponsorship agreement with Swedish golfer Ludvig Åberg, placing its branding in a sporting context more typically associated with consumer-facing companies.

Such moves highlight how even highly specialised software firms are increasingly adopting marketing strategies borrowed from consumer industries, as they compete not just on product capability but on visibility, trust and cultural relevance.

For Harvey, the alignment with a character synonymous with confidence, precision and legal excellence is likely to resonate with a profession navigating rapid technological change. Whether that translates into tangible commercial advantage remains to be seen, but the signal is clear: legal tech is no longer content to operate quietly in the background.

As artificial intelligence continues to redefine how legal work is delivered, firms like Harvey are not only racing to build the most capable platforms, but also the most recognisable brands.

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A new tax break is available this filing season for taxpayers who have car loans on vehicles that meet certain specifications.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which was passed through Congress by Republicans using the reconciliation process and signed into law last year by President Donald Trump, included a provision allowing interest on car loans to be deducted under certain circumstances. 

The IRS released guidance on the implementation of the “No Tax on Car Loan Interest” provision of the OBBBA, which applies to loans taken out to purchase new personal vehicles — not business or commercial vehicles — that were made in America after Dec. 31, 2024. Lease payments do not qualify.

Taxpayers whose auto loans qualify for the interest deduction may deduct up to $10,000 per year, and the deduction is available for both taxpayers who itemize their deductions and those who claim the standard deduction on their return.

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The deduction is subject to income requirements and phases out for higher-income taxpayers who have a modified adjusted gross income of over $100,000 for single filers or $200,000 for joint filers.

Like other tax deductions, the auto loan interest deduction reduces the taxpayer’s taxable income by the amount of interest payments they claimed up to the $10,000 annual limit, which means the actual tax savings will be smaller than the nominal size of the tax deduction.

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Under the OBBBA, the auto loan interest deduction is only applicable to vehicles that underwent final assembly in the U.S. 

To confirm that a vehicle’s final assembly was in the U.S., taxpayers are instructed to check one of the following: the vehicle label at the dealership, the vehicle identification number (VIN) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s VIN Decoder, which can verify the vehicle’s final assembly location.

Taxpayers must include the vehicle’s VIN on their tax returns for each year they claim the deduction.

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If a qualifying auto loan is later refinanced, the interest paid on the refinanced loan would generally be eligible for the deduction.

The deduction applies retroactively to the 2025 tax year, meaning it may be used for eligible auto loan interest payments incurred after Dec. 31, 2024.

The OBBBA included a number of temporary tax provisions that will sunset after several years to help the bill comply with Congress’ reconciliation rules.

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The auto loan interest deduction was one of those temporary provisions, and it’s scheduled to remain in effect through the end of 2028, when it will sunset unless Congress acts to extend the policy.

Farmers and business owners have launched a High Court challenge against the government’s inheritance tax reforms, arguing that ministers acted unlawfully by failing to properly consult on changes that could reshape the future of family-run enterprises.

The two-day judicial review, which began on 17 March at the Royal Courts of Justice, will examine whether Chancellor Rachel Reeves breached established consultation principles when altering Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR).

The case has been brought by Cambridgeshire farmer Tom Martin, alongside his father George Martin and campaign group Farmers and Businesses for Fair Tax Relief. The claim is supported by law firm Collyer Bristow on behalf of advisory firm Alvarez & Marsal.

At the heart of the legal argument is the government’s Tax Consultation Framework, introduced in 2011, which commits ministers to conducting at least one formal public consultation on major tax reforms. The claimants argue that the inheritance tax changes, which affect how farms and businesses are passed down through generations, clearly meet that threshold but were introduced without meaningful engagement.

Speaking ahead of the hearing, Tom Martin said he had been forced to leave his farm work to pursue legal action, describing the case as a fight for fairness. Outside the court, campaigners gathered under banners reading “Keep Farms and Firms in the Family”, highlighting growing unrest across rural and business communities.

Under the proposed changes, due to take effect from April 2026, inheritance tax relief will be structured as follows:
• 100% relief on the first £2.5 million of qualifying agricultural and business assets
• 50% relief on assets above that threshold
• Up to £5 million relief for married couples or civil partners, plus standard allowances
• Any tax liabilities payable over 10 years, interest-free

While the government has positioned the reforms as a balanced approach to taxation, critics argue they could fundamentally alter succession planning for family-owned farms and enterprises.

Legal representatives for the claimants say the absence of consultation has created significant uncertainty.

Alexander Marcham, managing director at Alvarez & Marsal Tax, said many affected businesses have been built over generations and now face difficult decisions without clarity. He warned that the reforms could disrupt long-term planning around succession, investment and ownership structures.

The claimants argue that the failure to consult denied them a voice in policy development, particularly given the scale of the financial and operational implications.

The government is contesting the case, maintaining that judicial intervention would risk crossing into parliamentary territory. However, the claimants counter that the decision not to consult occurred before legislation reached Parliament, making it open to legal challenge.

A ruling is not expected immediately. Judgment is likely to be reserved and delivered in writing within the next few months.

Beyond the immediate tax implications, the case could set an important precedent for how major fiscal policy is developed in the UK. If the court finds in favour of the claimants, it may reinforce the requirement for formal consultation on significant tax reforms, potentially reshaping how future budgets and policy changes are introduced.

For now, however, farming families and business owners remain in a state of uncertainty, awaiting a decision that could have lasting consequences for generational wealth, rural economies and the broader business landscape.

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‘Markets are evolving, and so are we. 2025 has been a year of significant activity for the group’

Property services firm LSL has highlighted strong market share after seeing its full year revenue and profits rise. The Newcastle-based group – whose brands include estate agents Your Move, Reeds Rains, and e.surv Chartered Surveyors – has published results for 2025, showing a 6% rise in revenue to £182.9m and a 3% rise in operating profit to £22.6m.

The group, which includes mortgage intermediaries, estate agency franchisees, and valuation services for lenders, said it maintained strong market share in all three of its divisions of financial services, surveying and valuation, and estate agency franchising in a year in which it said it has “building momentum”.

In a breakdown of performance LSL, which has 62 estate agency franchisees operating 293 branches, said its surveying and valuation division increased by 10% compared to 2024, as a result of a 9% increase in jobs performed and 1% increase in income per job. Its financial services division remained broadly flat with revenue of £48.8m compared to the 2024 figure of £48.4m.

Meanwhile, its estate agency franchising division fell by 2% to £26.5m, despite seeing an increase of 10% in residential sales growth.

In its Stock Market note to shareholders, directors said: “The Estate Agency Franchise business revenue was £26.5m, with the decrease entirely due to the LSL Land and New Homes business, due to the Ministry of Defence’s decision to bring a significant contract back in house.

“Supporting the growth of franchisees is of paramount importance, including the provision of loans to facilitate letting book acquisitions. In 2025, loans were granted enabling the acquisition of ten lettings books, adding 1,400 properties to the lettings portfolio. The Estate Agency Franchise business continued to deliver a robust residential sales performance, with sales related royalties increasing 12% year-on-year in a market which increased by 10%.”

Looking ahead, LSL said it is confident it will boost profits further in 2026, despite the uncertain market outlook.

It said group underlying operating profit – excluding exceptional items, contingent consideration assets and liabilities, amortisation of intangible assets, share-based payments and other sources of earnings from joint venture – were £32.6m, up 17%, which included over £1m of National Insurance Contribution tax increases.

The company’s £7m share buy-back programme has been completed and a newly-enlarged £12m share buy-back programme was launched in January.

Adam Castleton, group chief executive of LSL, said: “2025 has been a year of strong delivery and building momentum for LSL. We improved profitability across each division, achieved record margins and generated strong cash, while continuing to invest for future growth.

“Markets are evolving, and so are we. 2025 has been a year of significant activity for the group. We are focused on disciplined execution and converting the scale and capability of the group into sustained profit growth and continued high returns on capital. Trading in 2026 has been in line with our expectations.”

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HDFC Bank’s American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) on New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) fell another 4%, indicating extending of losses after the stock’s sharp correction on Thursday that saw it shed about 5% and briefly erase nearly Rs 1 lakh crore in investor wealth. The continued weakness in ADRs reflects lingering investor concerns following the abrupt resignation of former chairman Atanu Chakraborty, even as the bank’s management and board have sought to downplay the development.

On Thursday, the stock witnessed heavy selling pressure, with market cap erosion at one point touching around Rs 1 lakh crore. The selloff was triggered after Chakraborty stepped down, citing that certain “happenings and practices” within the bank over the past two years were not aligned with his personal values and ethics. However, the absence of specific details has added to uncertainty.

HDFC Bank chief executive and managing director Sashidhar Jagdishan said the board had urged Chakraborty to reconsider his resignation and elaborate on the concerns. “Every board member” attempted to persuade him to withdraw or clarify his remarks, but he declined, Jagdishan said.

Board members also indicated they were “baffled” by the move, noting that no specific issues were formally raised during discussions. Despite the sharp market reaction, analysts are increasingly viewing the correction as an opportunity rather than a signal of deeper concerns.

Deven Choksey said the fall has pushed the stock into a “deep value” zone, though he acknowledged that valuations may now reflect a discount due to recent developments.

Ishan Tanna of Ashika Capital said the situation appears tactical rather than structural. “The recent resignation of the Chairman looks more like a buy-on-dips opportunity rather than a structural concern,” he said, adding that the bank’s long-standing track record of strong processes provides comfort.
Tanna also highlighted that management commentary points to differences in value systems rather than any regulatory or compliance issues. “It seems to be more about differences in value systems, and not related to any regulatory or compliance problems,” he said.This view is broadly echoed by market participants. According to sources cited by ET Now, the resignation was not linked to any concerns raised by the Reserve Bank of India but stemmed from prolonged differences over certain practices.

Paresh Bhagat, CIO at Veer Growth Fund, said the development does not materially alter the bank’s fundamentals. “The absence of any stated business or financial concerns reinforces that this is not an operational signal,” he said, adding that leadership continuity at the CEO level remains intact.

While near-term sentiment remains cautious, the Street appears to be focusing on valuations and long-term fundamentals, even as clarity on the developments surrounding the resignation remains limited.