PRESS DIGEST — Financial Times — October 16

Oct 16 (Reuters) — The following are the top stories in the Financial Times. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. Headlines Healey signals tax raid on banks in UK Budget Bankers and advisers set for £334mn easyJet payout France and Germany to allow UK to join EU car policy if it aligns on China tariffs Thames Water's senior creditors near deal with rivals to avoid court challenge Overview British finance minister John Healey signalled banks could face higher levies in the forthcoming UK Budget, pointing to looming fiscal decisions as the financial-services industry prepares for a potential increase in its tax burden Bankers and advisers are set to collect £334 million ($443.38 million) in fees from Apollo's proposed £5.7 billion takeover of easyJet, making the transaction one of the City of London's most lucrative acquisitions this year France and Germany are nearing an agreement that would let Britain join an EU automotive subsidy and combustion-engine policy if London aligns with the bloc's tariffs on Chinese imports Thames Water's senior creditors are nearing an agreement with junior bondholders to avert a court challenge, offering them a