PRESS DIGEST - British business - March 17

The Times

RIVALS LINE UP IN RACE TO BRING OLYMPIC GAMES TO YOUR MOBILE

As mobile operators face the decision over which technology to use, an industry expert has predicted the 2012 Olympic Games will do for mobile TV what the Coronation did for early television. The head of mobile TV at Orange, Jake Redford, said: "We need to make this technology a success, and the only way to do that is to get the vast majority of operators to join." T-Mobile and Orange have put their money on TDtv and will start a pilot in West London this summer.

WHITBREAD'S BUDGET MAY STRETCH TO PREMIER INN AND TRAVELODGE

Whitbread (WTB.L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) is in talks to create the dominant force in the British budget hotel market by merging its Premier Inn chain with rival Travelodge. Although talks are still in their early stages, one source said: "The commercial logic is compelling." If the deal goes through, Whitbread will acquire Travelodge in return for its owners, Dubai International Capital, retaining a stake in the enlarged group, probably by Whitbread paying in a mix of cash and shares.

BANKING & FINANCE

Tullett Prebon (TLPR.L: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) has acquired Primex energy. The interdealer broker is understood to have agreed to pay roughly 19.7 million pounds for the London-based oil broker, which has seen its business grow alongside the surge in oil prices.

The Daily Telegraph

RISING COSTS "THREATEN GREEN AGENDA"