PRESS DIGEST-British Business - August 15

Aug 15 (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

Unite UTG.L will cement its position as Britain's biggest student landlord after agreeing to buy rival Empiric for $858 million, 10% less than what it had originally proposed.

Gatwick airport's hopes of a second runway hinge on transport links, as the expansion is 'under threat' from a possible six-fold increase in business rates bill and a lack of public transport infrastructure.

The Guardian

The price of the weight loss jab Mounjaro will rise by up to 170% in the UK, Eli Lilly LLY.N has said, as U.S. President Donald Trump ramps up pressure on drugmakers to increase prices in Europe.

Thames Water has said a new reservoir in Oxfordshire could cost more than three times the original budget, pushing the eventual cost to as much as $10.15 billion.

Centrica CNA.L plans to partner with a U.S. private equity firm to acquire the Isle of Grain terminal in Kent for 1.5 billion pounds ($2.03 billion) from National Grid NG.L.

The Telegraph

MSQ Partners has denied holding any takeover talks with Martin Sorrell's S4 Capital SFOR.L and insisted it has no interest in a deal.

Sky News

Bakery Chain Lola's Cupcakes is in advanced talks about a sale to Finsbury Food, valuing it at more than $33.84 million.

($1 = 0.7388 pounds)