Jarvis has made a full-year pretax loss of nearly £247 million down from a profit of £63 million last year plus news from Character Group, BAT and others.

Total turnover increased by 10% to more than £1.3 billion, including income from joint ventures. Group operating profit before goodwill amortisation and exceptional items declined from £79.6 million to £9.2 million

The company (JRVS) booked operating exceptional items of £186.3 million; non-operating exceptional items of £55.6 million. Earnings per share before goodwill amortisation and exceptional items were 10.9p, compared with 33.7p. Loss per share after exceptionals, was 165.2p.

The company says fundamental uncertainties exist in respect of the going concern basis of preparation of the financial statements, the recovery of entitlements and the extent of future losses in construction contracts.

Terms have been agreed with the group's lenders for the provision of an extra £25 million of banking facilities and continued support through to 25 March 2005.

* Royal & SunAlliance (RSA) sells UK life operations to Resolution Life for £850 million.

* Character Group (CCT) warns it will not meet market forecasts for year to end August; sees second-half marginally profitable; largest impact this year from withdrawal of US distributor; finalising preparations to commence action against Uniden; still expects to recommend a final dividend; confident of successful outcome for year to end August 2005.

* International Power (IPR) and Mitsui confirm buying Edison Mission asses for $2.3 billion (£1.3 billion); deal; to enhance earnings in first year; to pay $677 million for 70% share in Edison; to raise £291 million via rights issue to involve up to 365.5 million new shares at 82p a share; plans 2.4p dividend at time of 2004 results; first-half pretax pre-exceptionals £150 million, up 8.7%.