Business briefs: Lees takeover vote | Lockwood takes reins at Laird

Coatbridge-based confectionery maker Lees Foods yesterday confirmed its postponed general meeting will take place on Tuesday, when shareholders will vote on a proposed management buyout of the firm.

The meeting will be preceded by a court hearing to determine whether the bid to take the firm private can proceed, with 11 June pencilled in as the date when shares would stop trading.

Some of the company’s investors are unhappy with the 230p-a-share offer and have vowed to block the takeover, either in court or at the vote.

Lockwood to take the reins at Laird

Scottish technology entrepreneur David Lockwood has been named chief executive of electronics firm Laird.

The group, which supplies components for laptops and game consoles, said a start date is yet to be confirmed for Lockwood, who has worked for defence groups BAE Systems and Thales and is a former chief executive of laser company Intense. He replaces Peter Hill, who stepped down in November due to ill health.

Nigel Keen, who has been executive chairman during the group’s search for a new chief, will resume his non-executive role when Lockwood joins.