AGP Executive Report
Last update: 4 minutes agoMarkets: The S&P/TSX fell 608 points Wednesday, dragged down by basic-materials stocks, as U.S. markets also declined. Major Deals: The Weston family’s Wittington Investments and Fairfax Financial agreed to buy U.K. pharmacy chain Boots for US$8.9 billion; Galen Weston will chair the business, with closing expected in 2027. Separately, Emera and Canadian Utilities plan to combine in a $72-billion merger, creating a utility serving about six million customers. Small Business: CFIB says just 7% of small firms plan significant growth or diversification in the next year. Among businesses standing still, 59% cite taxes as a barrier to expansion. Trade Pressures: Ottawa warned Stelco’s U.S. owner it must meet job commitments despite tariff pressures, while packaging maker Supremex plans to cut 60 jobs after estimating tariffs will reduce annual operating earnings by $10 million to $12 million.
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