Google says disputes hurt progress November 7, 2011 Google’s lawyer has accused Microsoft of using its patent portfolio to capitalise on the success of Android, and that legal disputes are hindering innovation in the technology industry. Google’s patent counsel Tim Porter told the San Francisco Chronicle that Microsoft is trying to use its extensive patent portfolio to make money after its Windows Phone [...]
Rentokil hit by slow City Link November 7, 2011 CLEANING and pest control firm Rentokil Initial missed third-quarter profit forecasts yesterday and said it was unsure if its struggling City Link delivery business would return to profit in its key Christmas period. Rentokil, which offers services from hiring work uniforms and tropical plants to catering and security, posted an adjusted pre-tax profit of £53.1m [...]
Delphi sets indicative float price November 7, 2011 DELPHI Automotive indicated a price range for its initial public offering that values the former General Motors parts unit below levels projected six months ago when the stock market was stronger. Delphi said in a regulatory filing yesterday that the price range for its IPO would be $22 (£13.70) to $24 a share, establishing a [...]
Former Olympus chief to meet panel member investigating M&A scandal November 7, 2011 OLYMPUS’s ousted chief executive Michael Woodford said he will meet a member of the third-party panel probing past M&A deals at the endoscope maker in London next week. “I will meet the panel member Mr Katayama in London,” Woodford said in an e-mail to Reuters. Eiji Katayama, a lawyer, is one of six members of [...]
Costain order book hits £2.6bn with rail contract November 7, 2011 ENGINEERING consultant Costain has said it is continuing to perform well and that trading is in line with its expectations. The group’s order book has risen to £2.6bn following major new contracts awarded by Network Rail and the development of London Bridge Station. In a statement the group said yesterday: “As well as including in [...]
DISNEY TEAMS UP WITH YOUTUBE November 7, 2011 YOUTUBE and Disney yesterday announced they are partnering for a co-branded YouTube channel devoted to family-friendly original series. Although relatively small from a cash perspective – in the range of $10-$15m – it adds another major collaborator to YouTube’s new original content plan. YouTube plans to create dozens of online channels with original content with [...]
Weir confident on 2011 outlook November 7, 2011 British pumps and valves maker Weir said it was confident of meeting its expectations for 2011, supported by strong demand from customers in the mining and oil and gas sectors. The company said yesterday that revenue grew in the three months to the end of September, boosted by a swelling order book. But it said [...]
Essar Energy performance “solid” November 7, 2011 India-focused energy company Essar Energy yesterday reported a “solid” operating performance in the three months to 30 September, with energy generated rising four per cent compared to the same period a year ago. Export values also rose, climbing to 42 per cent of the otal against 31 per cent a year ago. “While higher gas [...]
Bunzl buys Brazilian safety firm November 7, 2011 Business supplies distributor Bunzl said yesterday it has bought South American safety glove and glasses maker Danny Comércio Importação Exportação Ltda from Nielzer and Rita Sudré. Danny is the fourth acquisition that UK-
House prices supported by rising activity November 7, 2011 HIGHER activity in the property market has propped up house prices, according to two leading surveys of the industry. Yet while the market has perked up, activity remains slow by historical standards, with prices largely remaining flat over recent months. The Halifax reported a surprise 1.8 per cent spike in house prices last month compared [...]
