Top Financial Tidbits: Closures, Seizures & Reforms

The Financial Times covers key developments: UK Post Office is closing branches, imperiling jobs; BBVA's Sabadell acquisition faces regulatory hurdles; NHS underperformers to face public scrutiny; Fortress gains control of Curzon; and UK financial consumer redress strategies require reform.

In a bid to stabilize its operations, the UK Post Office is set to close over 100 branches, a move threatening hundreds of jobs. This decision follows an IT scandal that has pushed the state-run business to reconsolidate.

BBVA's ambitious 11 billion euro offer for Spanish rival Sabadell has encountered a roadblock. The deal now faces heightened scrutiny from the local antitrust authority, potentially complicating its completion.

Health sector reforms are on the horizon as failing NHS hospitals will be ranked in league tables, and inefficient leadership will be penalized. Meanwhile, Fortress Investment Group has acquired the struggling Curzon cinema chain, and financial consumer protection reforms are proposed amid looming car finance scandal costs.

(With inputs from agencies.)