RBS purchase of ABN AMRO makes ‘worst deal’ shortlist - papers

Jerry Levin, who sold Time Warner to AOL, has described the $124bn deal as the 'worst of the century', but it's a crown for which there is plenty of competition, the Telegraph writes.

Of course, if one thinks 2000 is really part of the current century, there are other challengers for the worst-deal crown. The carve-up of ABN AMRO in 2007, which nearly sank both Royal Bank of Scotland and Fortis, is hard to beat. Full story...

BRITAIN'S all-important service sector yesterday provided fresh hope that the country has finally come out of its worst recession since records began.

The latest activity index from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply showed a reading of 56.8 last month, up from 56.6 in November, the Independent writes.

It is the eighth month in a row that the index has been in positive territory. A figure of above 50 indicates growth. Full story...