Oct 1 (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

- British sportswear and apparel retailer Frasers Group ( SDIPF )

has launched an audacious 83 million pounds ($111.02

million) takeover bid for Mulberry, one of Britain's best-known

luxury brands, after being blindsided by a 10 million pounds

rights offer.

- A lobbyist who has been working closely with Rachel Reeves

is employed by a company that represents Shein, the

controversial Chinese fast fashion giant that is attempting to

secure a UK corporate listing.

The Guardian

- Thames Water has said it could be blocked from raising new

debt as early as next week, as the struggling water company

fights for its survival.

- Britain has chartered a flight out of Lebanon for Britons

to leave the country amid the escalating violence in the region.

The Telegraph

- The Post Office is facing a second IT scandal after an

investigation found software used before Horizon could have

created shortfalls for sub-postmasters as early as 1993.

Sky News

- BlackRock's ( BLK ) private markets division could strike

a deal to acquire Lanes Group, which is a major contractor to

Thames Water based in Leeds, within days.

- Britain's biggest steelworks has shut down production

after more than 100 years, leading to thousands of job losses

across South Wales.

The Independent

- British cabinet secretary Simon Case has said he will

stand down at the end of this year on health grounds.

($1 = 0.7476 pounds)

(Compiled by Bengaluru newsroom)