News in brief: HS2’s chairman derailed by injury, Silverstone’s land sale to pay off debts, Vodafone’s Kabel bid in the balance

Plans to build a high-speed rail link between London and Manchester have suffered a new blow as the chairman of the £43 billion project has been forced to take three months off with a torn calf muscle.

Douglas Oakervee, the chairman of HS2 who also steered London’s Crossrail legislation through Parliament, is seen as crucial to introducing a “hybrid” bill for the project into Parliament by the end of the year.

Silverstone’s land sale to pay off debts

SilverstonE racing circuit today sold an industrial estate and development land outside the track to the BT pension fund-owned MEPC for £32 million.

The British Racing Drivers’ Club, which owns and manages the circuit, said this would allow it to pay off its loans from Lloyds Banking Group and Northamptonshire County Council. Planning permission has been granted on the land.

Vodafone’s Kabel bid in the balance

Mobile giant Vodafone’s £6.6 billion takeover of Kabel Deutschland was today hanging in the balance as only 20% of shareholders in the German broadband and television company have accepted the deal ahead of tonight’s midnight deadline.

A massive wave of late votes was expected, but it was still far from clear if Vodafone will be able to secure 75% acceptance. The final result of the vote will not be known until Monday.