AOL sees revenue growth for first time in eight years

'In the fourth quarter, advertising revenue - a key measure for the company as it moves away from subscription-based dial-up services to focus on its media outlets such as the Huffington Post - rose 13% to $410.6m.'

Read the whole article at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21384583

Microsoft buys and licenses AOL patents in $1bn deal

Internet companies always struggle to monetise; it is interesting how a market of patents is emerging and how some traditional companies (like AOL) can profit from it.
Microsoft buys and licenses AOL patents in $1bn deal
Microsoft is buying the majority of AOL's patents in a deal worth $1.06bn (£668m).
A statement said the agreement covers the intellectual property rights to more than 800 innovations.
Microsoft will also be granted licensing rights to about 300 patents that AOL is keeping.

Read the whole article at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-17657205

Why is Tesco struggling in the US?

Good example of MNEs and how companies struggle to apply their business model in (theoretically) similar markets. Also, it is worth noticing how Tesco has changed its strategy in US in order to position itself to a segment of the market which was pretty saturated.



Read the whole article at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-13190124

Ryanair set for £8 flights to US

This is one of the few cases that the company will expand operations and businesses to overcome recession.


Ryanair set for £8 flights to US

Budget airline Ryanair is to offer flights to the US for eight pounds, by buying planes from struggling rivals.
The plan will be revealed when chief executive Michael O'Leary announces the firm's quarterly results on Monday.


Read the whole article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7705169.stm

How do pound shops cope with inflation?

Lots of interesting stuff in this article. Firstly, it is worth noting the growth of 'price leader' strategies at times of economic downturn. Secondly, pound-shops' business model is very interesting and seems to depend on size and relationship with suppliers. (Who would have thought that Colgate is Poundland's supplier?)

How do pound shops cope with inflation?
By Anthony Reuben

Eighteen years since it opened its doors, some people are still struggling with the "everything is a pound" concept.
But enough people seem to be getting the hang of it to have boosted sales of the two biggest chains: Poundland with 191 stores and 99p Stores with 60.

Read the whole article at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7680302.stm