Sony Group shares fell as much as 9.6% after Microsoft announced a $69-billion deal to acquire games publisher Activision Blizzard.

Microsoft’s pitch, as with its other large gaming deals, heavily leveraged gaming chief Phil Spencer’s decades-long industry experience.

Consumer inflation quickened faster than expected in December to 5.9% year on year, from 5.5% in November, setting the stage for another rate hike.

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Microsoft said on Tuesday it would buy videogame publisher Activision Blizzard in an all-cash transaction valued at $68.7-billion. It’s the biggest-ever acquisition in the IT industry.

Investec plans to offer its private banking clients funding to install solar panels and battery storage systems in their homes.

Eskom’s creditors have started working with financial advisory firm Rothschild & Co as the struggling power utility prepares a long-awaited reorganisation.

Vodacom Group’s planned acquisition of Vodafone Egypt from its parent, Vodafone Group, has received the go-ahead from shareholders.