Darty devises turnround with Knight Vinke
Electrical retailer, formerly called Kesa, to work with activist investor on strategy, with its chairman leaving early to appease fund FT.com – European companies…
Swiss Re posts profit despite $1bn US loss
The world’s second-largest reinsurer by premiums books a $ 1bn loss on the sale of part of its Admin Re business in the US but still reports $ 83m profit…
Brazil in Telecom Italia probe
Paulo Bernardo, communication minister, ordered regulators to speed up an investigation into allegations that TIM had been intentionally dropping calls from customers. FT.com – European companies…
Greek banks bid for Crédit Agricole unit
National Bank of Greece, Alpha Bank and Eurobank submit offers for Emporiki Bank, in a signal of disengagement from the country for the French lender FT.com – European companies…
French central bank warns on recession
The Bank of France says it expects gross domestic product to fall, meaning the country would be officially in recession for the first time since spring 2009 FT.com – European…
Spanish woes weigh on ING profits
Provisions for bad loans at its banking division and writedowns at its insurance see net profit fall 13% at the Dutch bancassurer FT.com – European companies…
Wheat prices climb on Moscow quota worry
Grain traders are concerned that drought damage in the Black Sea region could prompt Russia to restrict exports as it did in 2010 FT.com – European companies…
Asia Pacific Breweries – sparkling prospects
If F&N shareholders have the patience they should accept Kindest Place’s offer because Heineken cannot afford to walk away FT.com – European companies…
Xstrata – a production turning point
Commodities trader Glencore is running out of time to seal its planned ‘merger of equals’ with FTSE 100-listed Swiss miner Xstrata FT.com – European companies…
Fewer disasters put Munich Re on track
Fewer disasters in the first half of the year compared with last year and better return on investment helps the German reinsurer beat expectations FT.com – European companies…
