British business press - May 20

Marks & Spencer (MKS.L: Quote, Profile , Research) is this week expected to post annual profits of around 964 million pounds, the group's highest figure since 1998, when it reported 1.2 billion pounds. The group is also expanding its food business, and will within the next two years have 200 Simply Food outlets at BP (BP.L: Quote, Profile , Research) petrol stations and Moto service stations, the initiative forming part of chief executive Stuart Rose's strategy to place premium food in new markets. Rose is set to pocket a cash bonus of up to three million pounds as a reward for the group's impressive numbers.

TRAVELODGE IN 3.5 BILLION POUNDS PUSH TO DOUBLE SIZE

Travelodge is to announce a 3.5 billion pounds investment programme that will see it double in size, create 600 new British hotels, increase its number of hotel rooms by around 50,000, and create in the region of 10,000 jobs, giving it a ten percent share of the entire UK hotels market, chief executive Grant Hearn saying: "Mass market brands such as Tesco (TSCO.L: Quote, Profile , Research) would always aim for at least ten percent of market share. Travelodge's strategy is designed to deliver the same strong market position."

EX-BBC BOSS ON EMAP SHORTLIST
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