Shareholders to decide on Kesa demerger today

Kingfisher shareholders meet today to approve the demerger of electricals business Kesa.

The event marks the final chapter in the dismantling of the retail combine created by Sir Geoff Mulcahy, and will bring Europe's third-largest electricals group onto the London Stock Exchange.

Approval of the demerger is expected to be a formality, and share dealing should begin on Monday.

Kesa comprises chains including Comet in the UK and Darty in France, and is headed by Jean-Noel Labroue.

- Nigel Cope, City editor of The Independent, will become head of external communications at Kingfisher in September.