GlaxoSmithKline plc (LSE/NYSE:GSK) today announces a series of agreements with Aspen (JSE:APN) aligned with GSK’s strategy of simplification through focusing on core therapeutic areas.

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), the continent's largest exchange, has traded its first ever on exchange Interest Rate Swap Futures contract. Standard Bank executed the trade as the market maker together with a leading asset management firm as the counter party.

Famous Brands has signed a mouth-watering agreement to acquire the entire issued share capital of Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK), pioneer of the premium burger revolution in the United Kingdom (UK).

Steinhoff (JSE: SNH) and Mattress Firm (NASDAQ: MFRM) announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Steinhoff will, subject to the successful consummation of a cash tender offer, acquire Mattress Firm for $64.00 per share in cash. This represents a total equity value of approximately $2.4 billion and an enterprise value for Mattress Firm of approximately $3.8 billion including net debt.