A convicted murderer, Raymond McCourt, who escaped from HMP Castle Huntly, Scotland's only open prison, has been re-arrested after a brief manhunt. McCourt, 59, was reported missing on Tuesday evening, sparking an urgent search by Police Scotland. The public was advised not to approach him, citing his dangerous history and connections to Glasgow and Edinburgh.

McCourt's criminal past includes the 1993 murder of newsagent Khalid Mahmood, whom he shot in the head during a robbery attempt. His spree of violence also left local woman Moira Rooney and PC Brian Williams injured. Despite being sentenced to life imprisonment, McCourt was released on license in 2015, only to be returned to prison shortly after for theft and failing to adapt to life outside.

The fugitive was last seen wearing distinctive clothing, including a long black trench coat and a blue shirt with a red and white tie, before his capture. Plain-clothed officers apprehended McCourt as he disembarked from a Lothian Bus service on Leith Walk in Edinburgh, bringing an end to the widespread search.

Authorities have expressed relief at McCourt's swift recapture, emphasizing the collaborative effort between the Scottish Prison Service and Police Scotland. McCourt's return to custody underscores the challenges of rehabilitating long-term prisoners and the vigilance required to maintain public safety.

FirstCash Holdings, Inc., a leading international operator of retail pawn stores, has announced its strategic acquisition of H&T Group plc, the largest pawn store operator in the United Kingdom. This move, valued at approximately £297 million or $394 million USD, marks FirstCash's entry into the UK market, expanding its global footprint beyond the United States and Latin America. The acquisition is expected to be significantly accretive to EBITDA and EPS, enhancing FirstCash's position as a global leader in pawn operations.

The deal, finalized through FirstCash's newly incorporated wholly-owned UK subsidiary, Chess Bidco Limited, involves a cash consideration of 650 pence per H&T share, plus a final dividend of 11 pence per share. This transaction not only diversifies FirstCash's geographic presence but also combines two industry-leading brands to create the largest publicly traded pawn platform across the US, Latin America, and the UK. Rick Wessel, CEO of FirstCash, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, highlighting the growth opportunities it unlocks in a new and attractive market.

H&T Group, founded in 1897, operates over 270 shops across England, Scotland, and Wales, and has recently seen a surge in business due to the financial strain on households amid the cost of living crisis. The acquisition by FirstCash represents a 44% premium to H&T's closing share price before the announcement, underscoring the strategic value both parties see in the deal. Chris Gillespie, H&T's CEO, praised the acquisition for its compelling strategic rationale and the bright future it promises for H&T under FirstCash's ownership.

This transaction is another example of a major UK-listed company being acquired by a foreign entity, leading to its departure from the London Stock Exchange. It reflects broader trends in the global financial market, where companies seek to consolidate their positions through strategic acquisitions. The deal between FirstCash and H&T is a testament to the resilience and potential of the pawnbroking industry, especially in times of economic uncertainty.