Here are some of the top business stories making the national headlines.
Halifax to disappear from UK high street as Lloyds axes bank brand after 173 years
Group confirms it will stop opening new accounts under the name and move existing ones to Lloyds. Read more via The Guardian
EasyJet agrees ‘in principle’ to £5.2bn takeover deal
EasyJet has reached an agreement in principle with a US investment firm over a potential takeover offer worth around £5.2bn. Read more via BBC News
UK and Japan agree £18bn investment deal
The UK and Japan have agreed a multi-billion pound investment deal which UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said will build a “new era of co-operation” between the two nations. Read more via BBC News
UK agrees £3.7bn trade deal with six Gulf states
The UK has struck a trade deal with a group of six Gulf states which it says will be worth £3.7bn to the economy. Read more via BBC News.
