Business news in brief: ITV | Scottish Investment Bank | Norway Sovereign Fund | Barclays

ITV has boosted its production division with the acquisition of Finland’s Tarinatalo, which is expected to deliver 50 hours of programming this year across 11 shows, including a new series of the country’s version of Dragon’s Den.

The purchase, for an undisclosed sum, is part of the group’s plan to create a Nordic creative hub.

ITV Studios already has a base in Sweden and the group recently acquired Norwegian firm Mediacircus.

In August, ITV said it would pay up to £17 million for So Television, the production firm co-founded by Graham Norton.

Sloane back in private practice

A SENIOR figure with the Scottish Investment Bank (SIB) has returned to private practice after five years with the government organisation.

Andrew Sloane, SIB’s head of transactions, will join Morisons Solicitors as a partner with the corporate team.

He said: “It was always my intention to return to an advisory role at some stage and having spent five years with SIB it felt timely to move on.”

Based in Morisons’ Glasgow office, Sloane will be working closely with companies and investors throughout Scotland and beyond, the firm said.

Norwegian sovereign fund buys 50% of Sheffield shopping centre

Norway’s sovereign wealth fund has bought a 50 per cent stake in the Meadowhall shopping centre in Sheffield for £348 million. The fund bought the stake from a joint venture between London & Stamford Properties and Green Park Investments and said the deal values the entire asset at just over £1.5 billion including debt.

The centre, which attracts more than 24 million shoppers a year, will be managed by British Land, which has retained its 50 per cent stake and formed a new joint venture with Norges Bank Investment Management.

Hepburn on the move to Barclays

BARCLAYS has lured a private banker to its wealth and investment management team from rival Aberdeen Asset Management.

Elaine Hepburn joins Barclays as an assistant vice-president in its Aberdeen office.

Mark Flynn, director of wealth and investment management at Barclays, Aberdeen said: “Her experience and regional knowledge will assist greatly with our commitment to offering uniquely tailored wealth management solutions to local clients. We are delighted to have Elaine on-board.”