Stock Movers Next Slumps, Kone Up, Continental Spin Off
Sep 18, 2025
A UK fashion retailer's shares plummet after announcing a less optimistic sales outlook for the second half of the year. Meanwhile, a Finnish company hits a milestone as it considers acquiring a rival, even amid potential IPO twists. Lastly, a major automotive player is strategically spinning off its industrial unit to sharpen its focus on the tire business, marking a significant shift in its long-term strategy. These stock movements highlight the dynamic nature of the European market.
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Next Signals Weaker UK Consumer Demand
- Next warned UK sales will be lower in H2 because the struggling economy is reducing consumer spending.
- Lord Wolfson cited higher business taxes, job displacement from mechanization and AI, and lost first-half boosts like good weather and a rival cyber-attack as drivers.
Potential M&A Could Reshape Elevator Market
- Kone is considering a bid for rival TK Elevator as private equity owners prepare a potential IPO of TK.
- A deal could reshape the global elevator market but would likely need a partner to mitigate antitrust risk.
Continental Splits Focus Back To Tires
- Continental spun off its parts unit Omovio and the stock fell sharply on the first day of separate trading.
- Omovio faces rising competition, higher costs and carmakers insourcing parts while Continental now depends more on the tire market's health.