Business news in two minutes: Unilever cuts 6,000 jobs, Asos sales dip and Rangers' 49ers takeover heats up

Unilever says 6,000 jobs have already been cut in its major shake-up. The restructure, announced last year, will see 7,500 roles go in total. It aims to save £684 million. The company's also spinning off its ice cream arm. Ben & Jerry’s and Magnum will form The Magnum Ice Cream Company. It will operate independently from July, and list by year-end.

In brief: Asos sales drop and Rangers 49ers takeover ‘edging closer’

• Asos has reported a drop in sales as it cuts back on discounts. Revenue fell 14 per cent to £1.3 billion for the six months to March. It warned full-year revenue may hit the lower end of forecasts. But average basket value is up four per cent. Its Asos Design range grew nearly 10 per cent in the UK.

• Manchester-based AJ Bell has passed £90 billion in assets for the first time. The investment platform added over 30,000 new customers last quarter. It saw net inflows of £1.9 billion during the period. AJ Bell Investments also posted £0.4 billion in net inflows. Its managed assets have now grown 29% in a year, reaching £7.5 billion.

• Big news in the world of sport today. Rangers are in “productive conversations” over a takeover. Talks continue with a US consortium linked to 49ers Enterprises. Insurance executive Andrew Cavenagh is part of the group. A joint statement last night said a deal is edging closer.

Rangers are in 49ers takeover talks | Getty

• Billionaire Christopher Sarofim has joined Everton’s ownership group. He chairs global investment firm Fayez Sarofim & Co. Sarofim brings nearly 40 years of financial expertise to the club. He joins Roundhouse Capital Holdings as a Board Observer. But Everton remains under the control of The Friedkin Group.

That’s it for today’s briefing. More tomorrow.