According to the Sunday Times, the US-owned Lloyds Pharmacy group is lining up a €40-€50 million takeover of Sam McAuley Chemists. It is one of the largest independently owned pharmacy groups in the country. The McAuley deal would copperfasten Lloyds' position as the country's largest pharmacy chain.

The Sunday Times also reports that three directors of Arnotts, including its chairman Nigel Blow, have stepped down from the board. Richard Nesbitt, who was formerly the largest shareholder in Arnotts, and Stephen Haughey, a former chairman of law firm A&L Goodbody, have also left.

Accountancy firm Deloitte has , according to the Sunday Independent, has been hit with a "severe reprimand" and €41,000 penalty according to the Chartered Accountants Regulatory Board.

It is the first major disciplinary finding against of the "big four" accountancy firms – PwC, Deloitte, EY and KPMG – since the regulator was established in 2007.

The Sunday Independent also reports that global commodities company Glencore is considering selling its Limerick zinc mine, Pallas Green, as the company seeks to offload assets and raise cash.

According to the Sunday Business Post, the Government will seek to block a legal action for damages against the State by an unsuccessful bidder for its second mobile phone licence, which Denis O'Brien's Esat Digifone won in 1996. Persona is being supported by British company Harbour Litigation, which will be reimbursed if the case is successful.