OBAMA’S TAX COMPROMISE November 5, 2010 The White House yesterday signalled it could compromise with Republicans on tax cuts, the first possible policy shift by US President Barack Obama since his Democrats lost this week’s midterm elections. Reeling from an electoral defeat that gave Republicans control of the House of Representatives and strengthened their ranks in the Senate, Obama needs to [...]
Coca-Cola offers $4.5bn in debt November 5, 2010 Coca-Cola Co hit the market yesterday with its largest ever debt offering of $4.5bn, including a three-year tranche at one of the lowest interest rates ever in the high grade corporate bond market. The offering comes as the soft drink company aims to take advantage of low rates. Coke is offering to buy back a [...]
Oracle could hit SAP for billions November 5, 2010 Oracle has laid the groundwork to claim billions of dollars more from SAP than previously indicated, raising the stakes in their closely watched legal battle over software theft. SAP, Europe’s largest software firm, has admitted to liability for the theft by a now-defunct subsidiary, TomorrowNow. The two are fighting it out to determine how much [...]
Looking dapper in black tie is about keeping it simple November 5, 2010 WITH the City’s party season imminent, it’ll be time for chaps to dust down their tuxedos. The going wisdom is that men have it easier than women when it comes to formalwear, since there’s a prescribed uniform to stick to. But even within the black tie guidelines, there are a number of decisions to take [...]
News Corp is facing long Sky bid delay November 5, 2010 RUPERT Murdoch was yesterday assessing how much damage a probe into his proposed bid to bring BSkyB back under the News Corp umbrella could cause. Business secretary Vince Cable stepped in to order a preliminary investigation into the bid by media watchdog Ofcom, with a full EU probe also on the cards. At the very [...]
BT pension deficit slashed by £3bn by new inflation measure November 5, 2010 BT’S mammoth pension deficit will fall by £2.9bn thanks to a change that will link pension payments to the Consumer Prices Index inflation meaure instead of the Retail Prices Index. The fall in deficit, which stood at £9bn in 2009, will immediately have an impact on interest payments made by the telecoms giant. It will [...]
HOW BIG IS RUPERT’S HEADACHE? November 5, 2010 Q.SO WHO IS INVESTIGATING THE NEWS CORP BID? A.Business secretary Vince Cable has asked communications watchdog Ofcom to prepare a report for him. Cable will then decide whether an investigation by the Competition Commission should be launched. The European Competition Commission will also decide whether it will launch a separate investigation after being notified of [...]
BNP Paribas’ outlook adds to confidence November 5, 2010 BNP Paribas, France’s biggest listed bank, ruled out a capital increase to meet tougher industry rules and promised a positive end to the year, boosting investor confidence in the banking sector. French bank stocks have lagged peers for much of the year over concerns they lack the capital strength to meet incoming capital regulations known [...]
LADIES HAVE MORE OPTIONS November 5, 2010 IN contrast to formalwear for men, black tie for women is a veritable fiesta of style and fun. The range of fabrics, colours, cuts, shoes, jewellery and makeup make it an opportunity to express yourself and look great at the same time. Of course there are restrictions – you never want to confuse glamour and [...]
Old Mutual says it’s unfazed by failed deal to buy Nedbank November 5, 2010 Insurer Old Mutual yesterday reported better-than-expected sales and said plans to streamline the company were on track despite a failed attempt to sell banking subsidiary Nedbank to HSBC. Old Mutual boss Julian Roberts said HSBC’s surprise withdrawal last month from the deal, seen as a key plank of Old Mutual’s overhaul, was “a shock to [...]
