Sainsbury's had revealed it is in talks with Lloyds Banking Group over moves to take full control of Sainsbury's Bank, as UK supermarkets prepare for a full-scale assault on the retail banking sector.
Jessops, the failed camera retailer, is set to be revived as an online-only brand by a consortium led by entrepreneur Peter Jones, star of BBC TV show 'Dragons' Den'.
Magazine publisher Bauer Media has taken a minority stake in StorkUp, a social commerce community for parents to recommend, find and buy baby and child-related products that is yet to launch.
Groupon, the group deals service, has acquired data personalisation start-up Adku for a reported $10m (£6.3m).
Microsoft has sold its online shopping portal Ciao to LeGuide.com, the pan-European publisher of digital shopping guides, for an undisclosed sum.
EBay has acquired recommendations start-up Hunch for a reported sum of $80m (£51m).
Sports Direct, the sports retailer owned by Newcastle United proprietor Mike Ashley, is moving into high fashion by acquiring majority stakes in two upmarket fashion chains.
Moss Bros has sold its high-street menswear chain Cecil Gee to JD Sports Fashion for £1.7m.
Jimmy Choo, the luxury brand known for its women's shoes, is to be acquired by Labelux, a privately-held luxury goods group, for an undisclosed sum.
Iceland's cheap and cheerful branding could be replaced on the UK high street by the green of Morrisons, if speculation that the Northern-based grocer is to make a £1.5bn takeover bid proves correct.