June 13 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories on the business pages of British newspapers. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

The Times

- US investment firm Gordon Brothers has acquired struggling UK retailer Poundland for 1 pound from Pepco PCOP.WA, taking on its 818 stores and 16,000 staff, with a major restructuring plan expected to close around 100 shops and reshape the business amid fierce retail competition.

- Activist investor Palliser Capital has acquired a 5% stake in WH Smith SMWH.L, aiming to boost its underperforming share price by supporting its transition into a focused travel retail business following the sale of its high street arm, and signaling potential pressure for governance and incentive reforms.

The Guardian

- Chinese automaker BYD 002594.SZ has launched its cheapest UK model, the Dolphin Surf, starting at 18,650 pounds, as part of its push to surpass Tesla TSLA.O in global EV sales, offering advanced features and competitive pricing to attract budget-conscious buyers amid growing demand for affordable electric vehicles.

- VodafoneThree, the newly merged UK telecoms giant with 27 million customers, has pledged an 11 billion pound investment over the next decade to expand 5G coverage to over 99% of the UK by 2034, while streamlining retail operations and creating thousands of new infrastructure jobs annually.

The Telegraph

- French energy giant EDF is set to rescue struggling UK EV charging firm Pod Point PODP.L in a 10.6 million pound deal, after a sharp drop in demand for electric vehicles and a 94% share price collapse, highlighting growing concerns over EV adoption and market viability in Britain.

- A new 25 million pound BAE Systems factory in Sheffield has officially opened as the UK’s hub for artillery production, focusing on M777 howitzers to support Ukraine and boost domestic defence capabilities, amid rising military spending and a broader push to strengthen Britain’s defence industrial base.

Sky News

- Billionaire Sir Len Blavatnik is being approached by RedBird Capital Partners to take a minority stake in The Daily Telegraph, as the US firm seeks UK-based investors to support its 500 million pound acquisition amid political scrutiny and new media ownership rules limiting foreign state influence.

- The US has launched a formal review of the AUKUS submarine pact with the UK and Australia to ensure it aligns with President Trump's "America First" agenda, raising questions about the future of the 175 billion pound defence deal, though allies remain confident in its long-term continuation.

(Compiled by Bengaluru newsroom)

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