Finance

Latest Finance sector features, company profiles, and executive interviews from across Europe and the Middle East.

Latest Finance Corporate Stories

Venrex Hosts New Fundraiser on Seedrs

Seedrs has announced that venture capital firm Venrex has chosen to host its new £1 million fundraising on Seedrs.

Role of IFCs in Facilitating Foreign Direct Investment

A report identifies the strengths of Jersey’s finance industry in facilitating FDI, its contribution to the global economy and the appeal of IFCs more widely in supporting cross-border investment.

YangTze Law : First Wholly Chinese-owned Law Firm Launches in UK

YangTze Law has become the UK’s first wholly Chinese-owned law firm to facilitate investment in UK from mainland Chinese businesses.

More Customers, More Staff, Less Costs : Top Priorities for UK Businesses

Increasing the size of their customer base, employing more people and cutting costs are the three most important business goals for UK SMEs.

Spanish Bank Santander Posts Jump in Profit in Q4 2014

Santander, the euro zone's biggest bank, has posted close to a 70 percent jump in fourth quarter profit from a year earlier, lifted by earnings from its lending business and as charges on soured loans fell. The Spanish bank said net profit was US$1.67 billion in the October-December period of last year - the first quarter under new CEO Ana Botin, who has shaken up the lender with management changes and recently bolstered capital through a cash call. The profits were slightly below the forecasted US$1.68-billion quarterly profit. Alongside other companies who also posted their results this month, Santander revised 2013 earnings downwards to reflect payments to deposit guarantee funds. Without that restatement, fourth quarter net profit would have risen just 37 percent.

Seven-Year High for the Pound Holds Risks for British Businesses

The Euro weakened to $1.1115 against the Dollar last weekend, while the Pound reached a seven-year high of €1.34. 

Falling Oil Prices and Russian Sanctions Hit Business Confidence in Europe

Executive confidence in Europe has dropped for the third consecutive quarter as expectations for company and industry growth continue to slide.

Matthews Asia Hires New Head of Business Development in UK

Neil will be responsible for directing the business development and client service activities for Matthews Asia in the U.K. and Europe.

Adidas to Start $1.9 Billion Shareholder Return Program

Adidas AG, the world’s second-largest sporting-goods maker, will return as much as 1.5 billion euros ($1.9 billion) to shareholders over three years as it seeks to stave off investor unrest.

Whirlpool Enters into Agreements to Acquire Majority Interest in Indesit

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) and Fineldo S.p.A. announce that they have entered into a binding agreement for the sale of Fineldo’s stake in Indesit Company S.p.A. (BIT: IND).

C&C to Consider Share Buyback this Year

Stephen Glancey, chief executive of Bulmers maker C&C, told analysts it would consider launching a share buyback this year as its share price rose by more than 6 per cent.

Siemens to make Alstom Bid

Germany’s Siemens is currently working on a formal asset-swap offer for power business Alstom that could come to light later this week.