Vodafone and 02 to share networks

This is an unusual type of collaboration. It is hard to share infrastructure and at the same time compete. I have a suspicion that this is the first stage of an integration or even a merge (?)...

Vodafone and 02 to share networks

Mobile phone firms Vodafone and 02 parent Telefonica are to pool their network infrastructures in the UK and three other European countries.
The move will save both firms many millions of pounds in operating costs, and Telefonica admitted "the current economic situation was a catalyst".

Read the whole article at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7959133.stm

Profits up at luxury group Hermes

This is a good example, of how developing international strategies spreads the risk of unexpected events (economic crisis). It is even more interesting because this is another luxury brand that reports profit.

Profits up at luxury group Hermes

French luxury goods firm Hermes has said profits rose in 2008, shrugging off concerns about the impact of the global economic downturn.
Shares gained 3.1% in Paris as its profit of 290m euros ($395m; £273m) was higher than analysts had forecast and the company increased its dividend.

Read the whole article at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7952666.stm

Concern over 'e-cigarette' sales

Substitute product?

Concern over 'e-cigarette' sales

Ministers are being urged to restrict the sale of 'electronic' cigarettes amid fears they could be harmful.
Retailers say they are a healthy alternative to real cigarettes because their users can inhale nicotine without tar, tobacco or carbon monoxide.

Read the whole article at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7941021.stm

Drug firms in $41bn giant merger

The pharmaceutical industry is one of the best examples on how market forces lead to consolidation and M&As.


Merck is to buy rival Schering-Plough in a $41.1bn (£29.4bn) deal, creating one of the world's biggest drug companies. The merger unites the makers of cholesterol drugs Zetia and Vytorin at a time of falling sales.

Read the whole the whole article at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7932264.stm