MORNING NEWS: Department stores, shopping malls and banks

In the news this morning, House of Fraser has confirmed plans to shed stores from its 59-strong portfolio as part of a rescue deal with the Chinese retailer that owns Hamleys. Elsewhere, Intu’s biggest shareholder John Whittaker goes shopping for shares in the mall group and EG breaks down what the planned RBS branch closures mean for the property industry. NEWS ROUND-UP: RBS branch closures could free up 500,000 sq ft House of Fraser plans to close stores and cut jobs Builders pick up pace after winter freeze Maplin creditors face £217m wipeout Sainsbury’s and Asda overlap adds to pressure for merger store sales Intu’s biggest shareholder goes on shopping spree Hotel magnate unveils full details of rival Heathrow expansion plan £250m spent but no starter homes yet built under flagship fund