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Amazing work: David Hockney
During the divorce of any wealthy couple, the crucial question eventually arises: who gets the art?
There are some stunning works on display at the joint London headquarters of mining giant Anglo American and diamond group De Beers.
Just step out of the sixth floor bathrooms and you’ll come face to face with one of David Hockney’s famous swimming pool paintings.
So how will it be divided when they separate? Not 50-50. De Beers will retain its much larger collection, much of which was amassed in the early 20th century, while Anglo will be able to retain its existing range.
If De Beers ever wanted to raise money, could it sell some of its works? No, says boss Al Cook, who notes that this kind of good taste is a hallmark of the company, telling Whispers: “Dispose of its story at your own risk.”
And at the end of the day, he points out, with something as precious as an art collection: “You can only sell it once.”
‘Disruption allowances’ for JD bosses
JD Sports is giving £330,000 in “disruption allowances” to its two top bosses to help them get the job.
Boss Regis Schultz, who has moved from Dubai to take the helm of the ‘Sneaker King’ in September 2022, will receive £60,000 a year for three years.
And new finance chief Dominic Platt will receive three annual payments of £50,000, the company’s annual report revealed last week.
This is on top of the £3.5m given to former chief executive Peter Cowgill for not working at any of JD Sports’ competitors for two years. He is also not allowed to steal from any former colleagues.
Good rewards if you can get them.
New approach for acquitted Lynch
A shock ending to the Mike Lynch trial saw ‘British Bill Gates’ acquitted of criminal charges in the fraud case over his former company Autonomy.
Whispers wonders whether, after the celebration, he will focus on private equity firm Thoma Bravo’s £4.3bn acquisition of Darktrace, the firm he founded after leaving Autonomy.
The vote is June 18. There’s time to speak your mind, Mike!
Hales Care wants to join AIM
Another small company is looking to join the London stock market, rumor has it on Whispers.
Hales Care, which supports people in their own homes, is looking to join the AIM junior index over the summer.
The company, Whispers understands, believes that a listing will help it raise money (as well as presumably its profile) and put it in a better position to attract competitors.
He currently works in the east and north of England, the Midlands and Yorkshire, but is also keen to look further afield.
Expect an announcement at any time.
It’s a trivial matter, to be sure, but it’s always good to see some enthusiasm expressed for the London Stock Exchange.
Contributor: Emily Hawkins
