Russia aims for privatisation plan February 17, 2014 Russia’s prime minister said yesterday he hoped to raise more than $5.5bn this year by selling stakes in state companies, reviving a delayed privatisation programme that could spur a flagging economy. At a meeting with deputy prime ministers, Dmitry Medvedev also sounded a note of caution, saying the sale of shares in companies such as [...]
Murdoch vows not to waste lifeline in Sochi February 17, 2014 BRITISH skip David Murdoch knows his rink have been handed a lifeline to reach the curling semi-finals and has vowed not to waste it in today’s tiebreaker with Norway. Team GB suffered a 6-5 defeat to China in their final round robin match in Sochi yesterday, but a surprise 5-3 loss for Norway against Denmark [...]
How energy bills are threatening export hopes of UK businesses February 17, 2014 BRITAIN risks missing the government’s export targets because high energy bills make it hard to compete overseas, manufacturing group EEF warned today. George Osborne wants UK firms’ exports to hit £1 trillion per year in 2020, a target requiring growth of nine per cent each year. But by that stage the government expects taxes to [...]
Ultimate breaks: This week’s top luxury trips February 16, 2014 EXTREME HOLIDAYS For those looking for extreme adventure on their holiday, check out Abercrombie & Kent’s Pioneer’s Collection. The extreme holidays include the chance to test your nerve flying a supersonic fighter jet in Russia, ascend Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, by the most challenging route or push yourself to the limits with a skiing expedition [...]
We must come out tough, says skip Murdoch February 16, 2014 BRITISH skip David Murdoch has called on his team-mates to hold their nerve and seal a place in the curling semi-finals with victory in today’s last round-robin match against China. A 7-6 defeat to Norway yesterday leaves Britain tied with the Scandinavians in the fourth and final qualifying position and needing victory over third-placed China [...]
Cheshire spends night in hospital after suffering concussion in fall February 16, 2014 TEENAGE halfpipe skier Rowan Cheshire spent last night in hospital after suffering concussion in a heavy fall during training at Rosa Khutor Extreme Park in Sochi, Team GB confirmed. Cheshire, 18, is due to compete on Thursday when qualifying begins at 2.30pm British time, but it is yet to be determined whether she will be [...]
SocGen profits jump after cost cutting success February 12, 2014 FRENCH bank Societe Generale hiked its dividend payouts to shareholders yesterday after profits jumped in 2013. The bank saw modest profit growth in its French retail arm, despite the wider economy’s poor performance, and it was bolstered by growth in markets like Russia. Profits came in at €322m (£236.9m) for the fourth quarter of 2013, compared [...]
Europe’s biggest banks face risk from emerging market turmoil February 11, 2014 INTERNATIONAL banks like Barclays and Santander are at risk from the volatility which has struck some emerging markets in recent weeks, credit ratings agency Fitch warned yesterday. Although the risks are currently manageable, the analysts believe the danger could grow if there is contagion between more emerging and developed markets. Groupo Santander is the most exposed, [...]
New Look rules out plans to float February 11, 2014 NEW LOOK chief executive Anders Kristianson has said the group is in no hurry to join the latest flurry of stock market listings, after the fashion retailer reported a five per cent jump in third quarter sales. Kristianson said the company “did not have any imminent plans” and needed to strengthen its position overseas and [...]
Chelsea chair Bruce Buck steps down from Skadden leadership February 10, 2014 BRUCE Buck, the Chelsea football club chairman who is also a partner at law firm Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom, is to step down as head of the firm’s London office. Former Skadden Moscow head Pranav Trivedi, who also specialises in corporate finance, will step into Buck’s shoes, and spend most of his time in [...]