BBC News - Business

• UK defence firm Meggitt bought by US giant

  The aerospace technology firm agrees to a £6.3bn takeover bid from US company Parker-Hannifin.

• Banking giant HSBC sees first half profit more than double

  The UK-based firm said the jump in profits was driven by an economic rebound in Britain and Hong Kong.

• Afterpay: Jack Dorsey's Square in Australia's biggest buyout

  The $29bn deal for Afterpay will create an instalments payment giant in a hugely growing sector.

• Beyond Meat boss backs tax on meat consumption

  Ethan Brown tells the BBC his firm wants to bring down the price of plant-based meat.

• Smaller firms hit by 'pingdemic' staff shortages

  An ill-timed alert on the NHS Covid app can mean bar staff losing out on tip income at the weekend.