City snapshot: Primark owner ABF braces for huge sales impact of new English lockdown

Associated British Foods has warned a new national lockdown in England, along with renewed restrictions across Europe, would lead to a loss of almost £400m in sales at closed Primark stores. The CEO of the British Retail Consortium called the Prime Minister’s plans “the nightmare before Christmas” for retailers. Plus, Ocado upgrades profits outlook on more strong trading and announces proposed acquisitions of two US robotics firms for almost $300m.