Chef sued over false endorsement of recipe book
Supermodel Claudia Schiffer has obtained significant damages in a legal dispute with her former chef after Schiffer’s name appeared on the cover of a recipe book. Sophie Michell, a television chef who worked for Schiffer for two years, had not obtained permission and Schiffer instructed her lawyers to seek damages and get the book pulped. Michell, 24, declared herself bankrupt at the High Court two weeks ago after her publisher, Cassell, sought damages from her. – The Times, 18 March
Luminar facing takeover bid
Britain's biggest nightclub operator, Luminar, faces a possible bid from an investment vehicle controlled by the property and retail entrepreneurs Robert Tchenguiz, Nick Leslau and Tom Hunter. Shares in Luminar jumped 8.6% on the news to 619p [on Friday], giving the company a market value of £450m. – The Independent, 18 March
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Secret enforcers to patrol Scottish pubs for smokers
Enforcement officers are to go undercover in pubs and bingo halls to catch people flouting Scotland's smoking ban which starts next Sunday. Edinburgh City Council says its officials will dress in "civvies" to spy on customers to ensure the ban is being enforced. In extreme cases, they will follow smokers home if they refuse to give their names so legal action can be taken. – The Scotsman, 18 March
Scottish chefs high in suicide levels
New figures, published by the Office for National Statistics, reveal that being a chef is now one of the most suicide-prone occupations in Scotland. According to the first study of suicide rates by profession in Scotland, 95 chefs aged 16 to 45 took their lives in recent years. The death toll is surpassed only by students, labourers, builders and gardeners. – Sunday Times (Scottish edition), 19 March
Parkdean Holidays agrees takeover
Parkdean Holidays, the holiday park operator, has agreed to a 270.5p per share cash takeover offer from PD Parks, a buy-out vehicle funded by private equity firm Alchemy Partners. The offer values Parkdean at around £135.3m and has been recommended by its independent directors. Parkdean owns 20 holiday parks. – The Scotsman, 18 March
Refinancing deal close for Laurel Pub Company
Property tycoon Robert Tchenguiz is close to finalising a £400m refinancing of part of Laurel Pub Company, owner of the Slug & Lettuce and Ha!Ha! Bar & Canteen chains. The refinancing, which will put in place a new longer-term debt structure, is being arranged by a syndicate of banks led by Royal Bank of Scotland and Kaupthing, the Icelandic bank. It is expected to be completed in the next few days. – Sunday Times, 19 March
Charlton House owners pocket £600,000 wages
Contract caterer Charlton House, whose business includes The Treasury, paid back the tax man £200,000 in corporation tax, according to accounts for 12 months to last September. Sales were up 15% to £44.6m with pre-tax profits up 25% at £700,000. Joint owners Tim and Robyn Jones took a joint income of more than £600,000. – Mail on Sunday, 19 March
Top Dublin hotel is takeover target
Gerry Barrett, the property developer and hotel owner, is making an approach to buy the Grand Canal Dock hotel development in Dublin for €90m (£62.38m) to boost his burgeoning leisure empire. Barrett owns hotels in Galway and Drogheda and last year purchased Bow Street Magistrates court in London with a view to building a hotel there. – Sunday Times (Irish edition), 19 March
