Companies

Another banking review

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 04:03:00 GMT

A UK parliamentary committee has published a 500 page report that proposes reforms to the banking system. Lex’s Nikki Tait and Oliver Ralph discuss the committee’s interest in the question of how to hold individuals responsible for misconduct.

The widebody war

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:48:01 GMT

Airbus is pushing Boeing for market leadership in the twin engine aircraft market. Andrew Parker reports from the Paris air show on why a price war might be in the offing – which would be bad news for the two manufacturers, but good for airlines.

EADS confident on profitability goal

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:46:44 GMT

From the Paris air show, EADS chief executive Tom Enders tells the FT's Andrew Parker he is confident of the group hitting its profitability targets and gives a bullish assessment of the new Airbus A350 passenger aircraft.

Aegon: The headache of low interest rates

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 01:24:00 GMT

The low interest rate environment is a challenge for life assurers. Alex Wynaendts, Aegon chief, explains to insurance correspondent Alistair Gray how the life assurer is coping and discusses the Solvency II capital requirements discussions.

Hollywood woos China

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 07:28:08 GMT

As China continues to build thousands of new cinemas every year, Hollywood studios are lining up to woo domestic audiences and policymakers with Chinese inspired productions and joint ventures with local film companies. The FT's Leslie Hook talks to Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation, about booming ticket sales and protecting IP in the Middle Kingdom.

The new drone economy

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:52:31 GMT

The commercial use of unmanned aerial vehicles is one of the big talking points at this year's Paris Air Show. Daniel Garrahan reports from Paris on the potential integration of UAVs into civil airspace.

Rotork proves its mettle

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 04:45:00 GMT

Rotork is the world's biggest maker of valve actuators – safety equipment for oil and gas plants. Despite the global economic downturn, its shares have tripled in value since mid-2007. Peter France, chief executive, talks to the FT's Mark Wembridge.

A new era of autonomous driving

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 03:23:00 GMT

Automotive technology has come a long way in recent decades, but are we about to see cars that can drive by themselves on the road? Chris Bryant, Frankfurt correspondent, visits Continental, the German car parts and technology company, to find out.

Top tips for start-ups

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:56:02 GMT

Founders Forum in London hosts one of Europe's biggest gatherings of entrepreneurs. Ravi Mattu asked delegates what advice they would give to those starting a business.

Royalty Pharma's battle for Elan

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT

Royalty Pharma's bitter battle to take over Elan is in the balance. Elan's shares have soared since the bid was launched, but threaten to fall back if it fails. Lex's Oliver Ralph and Vincent Boland discuss what is at stake in this takeover saga.

50 ideas: regulation

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 17:31:28 GMT

Regulation has played a key part in international business. Brooke Masters talks to Barney Reynolds about its continuing role.

Vodafone-Kabel Deutschland talks

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 03:47:00 GMT

Vodafone has resumed its pursuit of German cable company Kabel Deutschland. Lex writers Oliver Ralph and Nikki Tait discuss how the deal would strengthen Vodafone's capacities to meet the high demand for bundled packages of services to its customers.

Let's Google IT

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 04:54:51 GMT

Ben Fried, Google's chief information officer, tells Paul Taylor, the FT's Connected Business editor, why cloud technology and big data have become the focus for companies and how the role of CIO is to empower users rather than dictate their needs.

China to buy less cognac?

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 04:11:00 GMT

Exposure to China’s wealthier consumers has been a boon to the French spirits group. Lex writers Nikki Tait and Oliver Ralph discuss how efforts by Chinese authorities to rein in gifting could hit the company.

AstraZeneca adds to respiratory drug portfolio

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 03:59:00 GMT

AstraZeneca, the Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical company, has bought Pearl Therapeutics for up to $1.15bn as it seeks to revive its drug development pipeline after being badly hit by patent expiries. Lex writers Oliver Ralph and Vincent Boland consider whether the deal will help AstraZeneca to achieve its aims.

Success needs luck but also hard work

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 17:23:47 GMT

Playground of the rich Monte Carlo played host to Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year 2013. Jonathan Moules, enterprise correspondent, analyses what it takes to win as an entrepreneur.

Japan mulls nuclear future

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 13:12:54 GMT

Fumiya Kokubu has taken over as chief executive of Marubeni at a testing time, with nuclear power facing an uncertain future and its deal for Gavilon coming under question from critics. The FT's Ben McLannahan talks to the head of the trading house about how to resolve Japan's power problems and the future of the company.

World Entrepreneur winner says follow your dream

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 08:08:46 GMT

Hamdi Ulukaya, founder of yoghurt brand Chobani, has won the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year 2013. He explains to enterprise correspondent Jonathan Moules how this shows that even a Kurd from eastern Turkey can achieve the American dream.

The importance of place

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 11:09:08 GMT

Lance Uggla, founder and chief executive of Markit, explains the pluses and minuses of London as a start-up location.

Shaking up the yoghurt industry

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 11:07:19 GMT

Turkish-born Hamdi Ulukaya moved to the US to learn English but ended up creating the country's leading yoghurt brand.

Betting the bank

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 08:59:18 GMT

Anthony Podesta, founder of McMillan Shakespeare, had to remortgage his house three times to fund growth, but he has no regrets.

Are all bankers going to hell?

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 16:42:34 GMT

Five years since the financial crisis and not one individual has been prosecuted. But can we really lay all the blame on bankers or were they just the pawns of a system society created? John Authers, senior investment columnist, reports on the debate.

Indonesia's fast-food wars

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 16:38:43 GMT

KFC has deployed a mobile restaurant to test demand in rural Sumatra. Meanwhile, Wong Solo, a local grilled chicken chain, uses its links with Islamic preachers to spread the word. As Indonesians get richer and busier, the fight is on to win them over to fast food. Ben Bland reports.

Johnson Matthey emitting success

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 03:39:00 GMT

Johnson Matthey’s share price rose sharply on Thursday after positive results for the last financial year showed an uptick in demand for catalytic converters. Lex’s Julia Grindell and Vincent Boland discuss the fortunes of the old trading house.

Statoil tax stall

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 03:46:00 GMT

Statoil has delayed its investment decision on a big oilfield in the Barents Sea after Norway proposed to tweak the oil and gas tax regime. Lex's Julia Grindell and Vincent Boland discuss what implications this has for Norway and Statoil.

Ahold share buyback

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 04:43:00 GMT

Ahold shares fell on Tuesday as investors hoped for a bigger chunk of the proceeds from the sale of its stake in ICA, the retailer. Lex’s Oliver Ralph and Julia Grindell discuss the need for funds to support expansion and acquisitions amid slowing revenue growth.

Luxury flexes its muscle

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 11:04:10 GMT

With the recession in Europe showing no sign of abating, fashion editor Vanessa Friedman reports from the FT Business of Luxury summit in Vienna on how the luxury industry has emerged as a key player and how it is uniting to influence its own future.

Thames landmarks look to clean energy

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 17:10:41 GMT

Windsor Castle is powered by a water turbine, while the roof of Blackfriars station is covered by solar panels. But such systems are reliant on subsidies, as Pilita Clark reports.

Colombia's tech revolution

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 16:32:37 GMT

Improved security and prosperity have led to a rash of digital enterprises in Colombia, but challenges lie ahead, as the FT's Andean correspondent Andres Schipani reports.

Mobile revolution in healthcare

Fri, 31 May 2013 00:51:00 GMT

Mobile technology is being deployed in all aspects of healthcare, from diagnosis to aftercare. The FT's technology correspondent Bede McCarthy analyses the potential of mobile technology to transform healthcare.

US freight group fuelled by crude

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 17:33:05 GMT

Outside of growth from the US shale revolution, Union Pacific chief executive John Koraleski tells the FT's US managing editor Martin Dickson that America's transportation infrastructure and its access to world markets is attracting European manufacturers to US shores.

The new face of finance

Fri, 31 May 2013 15:46:31 GMT

After five years debating how to fix the financial system, a new economics is emerging based on human behaviour and interactions. John Authers reports from a conference in Oxford to hear what implications this has for the future of finance.

Has Fifa cleaned up its act?

Fri, 31 May 2013 04:26:00 GMT

Fifa president Sepp Blatter says the football governing body has reformed, and that it is time to move on. Lex’s Julia Grindell and Vincent Boland consider whether Fifa has changed and if its structure is a barrier to a wider transformation.

City of London fears grow over EU

Fri, 24 May 2013 04:33:00 GMT

Fears are growing in the City of London about the UK's 'disengagement' from the European Union and the threat of exit. FT banking editor Patrick Jenkins reports on a roundtable at London's Mansion House including Andrew Cahn of Nomura and Ludovic de Montille of BNP Paribas.

Treleaven: Give financial innovation a chance

Wed, 29 May 2013 18:58:38 GMT

Governments should 'hold their nerve' when it comes to regulating financial innovations such as digital currency despite any problems they may encounter along the way, says Philip Treleaven, director of the UK Centre for Financial Computing.

An answer to mass production

Tue, 28 May 2013 17:00:45 GMT

Among European manufacturers the big talking point is how to survive the challenge of China’s mass production. To accompany a new FT series 'Europe: Make or break?' Rodolfo de Benedetti, chairman of Sogefi, the Italian car parts maker, tells Milan correspondent Rachel Sanderson that the answer is premium products such as his super lightweight spring.

The European manufacturing divide

Mon, 27 May 2013 23:01:39 GMT

To accompany the FT series 'Europe: Make or break?' Chris Bryant assesses the outlook for German manufacturers that sell high-tech machinery, and hears about some of the problems facing Spanish and Italian companies.

The best boards are truly independent

Fri, 24 May 2013 02:29:00 GMT

Ken Olisa, former ENRC director, says companies claiming to adhere to the highest standards of corporate governance while in reality remaining under the control of the founding shareholders offend the basic precept of free markets – transparency.

Shifting the manufacturing footprint

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:16:00 GMT

Keith McLoughlin, Electrolux chief executive, tells Louise Lucas, consumer industries editor, he is seeing a shift in manufacturing back to countries such as the US and that sales remain strong in developing economies despite a slowdown in growth.

A tale of two Volvos

Thu, 02 May 2013 11:29:00 GMT

European manufacturers are tentatively emerging from the financial and eurozone crises. Yet some groups are faring better than others. To accompany a new FT series 'Europe: Make or break?' Nordic correspondent Richard Milne compares the fortunes of truckmaker Volvo Group with carmaker Volvo Cars, and considers what their diverging fortunes reveal about the strengths and weaknesses of European manufacturers.

Fiat Industrial's tax move to the UK

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:20:00 GMT

The decision by Fiat Industrial to move its tax home to the UK after a merger with US business CNH prompts Lex's Stuart Kirk and Nikki Tait to ask how this will affect the business and to discuss if there are parallels with Apple's recent troubles

Apple chief executive defends tax payments

Tue, 21 May 2013 21:06:53 GMT

The FT's US economics and trade correspondent James Politi provides highlights from Apple chief executive Tim Cook's testimony before the US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations shortly after it was revealed that the world's largest company had legally avoided paying billions in US taxes

Carnival issues profit warning

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:36:14 GMT

Shares in beleaguered cruise operator Carnival fell as much as 13 per cent on Tuesday following an overnight profit warning. Lex's Oliver Ralph and Vincent Boland discuss the outlook for the company.

Offer undervalues ENRC

Mon, 20 May 2013 16:03:16 GMT

An independent committee on the board of Eurasian Natural Resources Corp has rejected a proposed buyout offer by the London-listed miner’s billionaire founders. Lex's Stuart Kirk and Vincent Boland discuss the offer and what is next for ENRC.

AkzoNobel: consumers still cautious in Europe

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:52:59 GMT

Ton Büchner, chief executive of AkzoNobel, talks to the FT's Ravi Mattu about the lack of consumer confidence in the eurozone and why a recovery will not start without greater clarity in the housing market.

Ocado to take Morrisons online

Fri, 17 May 2013 03:47:00 GMT

Ocado shares leapt 29 per cent on news of its deal to take Morrisons into online groceries. Lex's Vincent Boland and Oliver Ralph discuss how Ocado partner Waitrose will view the tie-up.

Luxury lull

Thu, 16 May 2013 04:23:00 GMT

Luxury goods group Richemont has seen sales improve in the US but not enough to counter a clampdown on gift-giving in China. Lex's Nikki Tait and Julia Grindell on the tougher trading environment for luxury.

Oil pricing probe

Wed, 15 May 2013 03:21:00 GMT

The European Commission is investigating the energy industry's price-setting mechanisms for oil and gas products after antitrust raids on BP, Shell and Statoil. Lex's Stuart Kirk and Vincent Boland discuss whether investors should be concerned.

Loeb asks Sony to trim down

Tue, 14 May 2013 23:00:48 GMT

Sony may be best known for its flat-screen televisions and PlayStation games consoles, but in recent years its core electronics business has lost billions of dollars. The FT's media editor Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson explains activist investor Daniel Loeb's call for Sony to sell off part of its film and music business

Online shopping comes to Nigeria

Tue, 14 May 2013 15:46:34 GMT

Nigerians like to shop. But with few shopping malls and poor transport facilities, it is often difficult to access products. Online retailers look set to change all that. West Africa correspondent Xan Rice reports on the online strategies of companies such as Jumia and Konga.