Comet have officially confirmed this evening that they are to enter into a consultation period with a view to closing down their in-house service operations with the loss of around 450 jobs.
Category: Domestic Appliance News
Domestic Appliance News
All the latest general news from the domestic appliance industry that we find all over the world, and stories that are of interest to the trade and public, often with our own unique non-politically correct spin on it.
We cover almost anything interesting to do with appliances or that affects the industry, including new product releases, scandals, recalls, mergers, takeovers and all the other juicy appliance news from around the world.
If you have a story to share, please let us know or contact us on admin@ukwhitegoods.co.uk or contact Kenneth here
OFT Forces Extended Warranty Crackdown
Yesterday the Office of Fair Trading announced that it was to review undertakings from major retailers such as Currys, Comet and Argos before deciding whether or not to refer the matter to the Competition Commission.
Whirlpool Reports 20% Profit Increase
The world’s largest appliance manufacturer, Whirlpool, have announced solid net earnings growth for the fourth quarter of 2011 and was upbeat about prospects for 2012 after a tough year in 2011.
Electrolux Profits Fall By 68%
Lower prices, higher raw-material costs and weak demand contributed to a maammoth 68% decline in Electrolux’s fourth-quarter earnings.
Service Power Profits Surge
The Manchester Evening News reports that software developer ServicePower Technologies shares have surged by nearly a fifth after the company said its results for 2011 would beat market expectations, with pre-tax profits of more than £1m.
Comet Gets New Boss… Dixon’s Old Boss
John Clare, a former Dixons chief executive, has met with the Comet’s key suppliers in recent days, after trade credit insurers placed their coverage of Comet “under review” after the announcement that parent company Kesa planned to sell the business to the private equity firm OpCapita.
Dixons Boss Moves To Apple
The chief executive of Dixons, John Browett, is leaving Dixons to move to to head up Apple’s worldwide retail chain of Apple stores.
Comet Takes Another Hit
Kesa who expect to complete the sale of Comet to investment firm OpCapita on 3rd February, unveiled a 14.5% drop in like-for-like sales at the UK chain in the three months to January.
US To Investigate Washing Machine Dumping
The US Government are said to be going to investigate Whirlpool’s complaint that producers of large, residential washing machines made in South Korea and Mexico are selling these washing machines below cost to American consumers.
Comet Faces Challenges With Credit Insurance
The Financial Times has reported that Comet is due to hold crucial talks with trade credit insurers this week to determine whether they will continue to offer cover to its suppliers following next month’s planned sale of Comet to OpCapita.