As the merger with Van der Merwe is sealed, Paul Merroney (Colin Baker) ties the knot with banker’s daughter April (Liza Goddard), but the honeymoon is soon over as there are more business deals to be done. As Merroney plans expansion into the Middle East, a bereavement reveals his true colours. David (Robin Chadwick) tenders his resignation as the Hammonds unite in opposition to Merroney’s latest machinations. Mary (Jean Anderson) leads a last-ditch battle to keep the company under family control, but the writing is on the wall as she attends the annual Christmas party and discovers changes that run deeper than she ever imagined.