Aug 21 (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 - Nearly 1 billion pounds ($1.30 billion) was wiped off the stock market value of BT Group after Sky struck a deal with one of its biggest competitors...

* Stellantis ( STLA ) CEO Carlos Tavares visits the US to address lagging profit in North America * Tavares' visit during his summer break is intended to reassure employees and investors * North America is group's profit powerhouse By Giulio Piovaccari, Gilles Guillaume, Nora Eckert DETROIT, Aug 21 (Reuters) - Stellantis ( STLA ) CEO Carlos Tavares will visit...

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong's bourse operator said it's cautiously optimistic for the year despite a 3% drop in first-half profits on sluggish trading and subdued listing activities, as market revenue warmed up in the second quarter. The profit attributable to shareholders of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd (HKEX) fell to HK$6.13 billion ($787 million)in the first six...

SINGAPORE (Reuters) -Oil prices slipped on Wednesday on estimates showing swelling U.S. crude inventories and expectations that tensions in the Middle East were easing following a tour of the region by mediators. Brent crude futures fell 9 cents, or 0.1%, to $77.11 a barrel by 0340 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude dipped 12 cents, or 0.2%, to $73.05 per...