China puts its mark on Malawi

[Claire Ngozo] Driving through Malawi's capital, Lilongwe, it is difficult to miss the imposing building under construction in the city centre. It's the country's first five-star hotel, US$90 million worth of well-appointed rooms, a state-of-the-art conference centre and 14 opulent presidential suites. 28 Apr 2011 09:47

Uncertainty about transfer pricing rules in Africa a concern for foreign companies

Companies doing business in Africa face several uncertainties, including how tax authorities will handle transfer pricing (TP). It is vital that organisations prepare comprehensive documentation to demonstrate their application of the arm's length principle and the procedures followed. 5 Apr 2011 12:05

Renewable M&As market rallies

LONDON, UK: North America's switch on to energy efficiency has driven their position in the global renewable M&A market in the last 12 months, and could act as a driver for the region to become the dominant renewables market within three years, according to new analysis by PwC. In Europe, however, regulatory uncertainty clouds European deals. 29 Mar 2011 08:50

Wits University helps SA business to go global

South African companies can, it is claimed for the first time, work through the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) to achieve international accreditation for their business process standards and in so doing propel themselves on to an equal footing with global competitors. 28 Mar 2011 11:45

Branded pharmaceutical websites drive conversions among prospects and patients

RESTON, US: comScore, Inc, a leader in measuring the digital world, has released results from its fifth annual Online Marketing Effectiveness Benchmarks for the Pharmaceutical Industry. The study supports previous findings that exposure to online display advertising and branded websites provides a positive lift in awareness and favourability toward pharmaceutical brands. Visitation to branded websites also continues to provide the most significant lifts in prospect conversion and patient refills. 22 Mar 2011 08:55

Europe will remain home of luxury retail

[Published by Verdict] LONDON, UK: Despite huge growth in China, the market for luxury retail in Europe will remain the most lucrative in the world and will grow by nearly US$60 billion (about R431 billion) to be worth US$175 billion (about R1257 billion) by 2015 finds Verdict, one of the Datamonitor group of companies. 9 Feb 2011 09:28

Lenovo, NEC create Japan's largest PC group

TOKYO, JAPAN: Lenovo and NEC Corporation (NEC) have announced a strategic relationship that creates a joint venture between the two companies and forms the largest PC group in Japan. Both companies are also exploring strategic cooperation in other areas. 31 Jan 2011 09:36

Business benefits from competitive energy market

LONDON, UK: UK businesses are reaping the rewards of an extremely competitive energy market, as new market entrants and specialist small providers drive up standards and lower costs, according to latest research from independent analyst, Datamonitor*. 31 Jan 2011 09:28

Unemployment, inflation worries hit consumer confidence

NEW YORK, US: Consumer confidence fell in 25 out of 52 countries in Q4 2010 as hope for a global economic recovery evaporated at the end of last year, according to the latest edition of the Nielsen Global Consumer Confidence Index, which tracks consumer confidence, major concerns and spending intentions among online consumers. 27 Jan 2011 11:00

2010's top PR stories

PHILADELPHIA, US: A survey of public relations professionals around the globe indicates that the BP Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the October rescue of the trapped Chilean miners ranked as the top PR stories of 2010. 6 Jan 2011 06:42

Craft beers bubble over in popularity

CHICAGO, US: While spirits barely edged out beer as the most popular alcoholic beverage enjoyed by consumers between 2009 and 2010, the market has hardly fallen flat. According to latest research from Mintel, domestic beer is the clear favourite, followed by imported varieties; but 33% of all beer drinkers aged 21 and up are drinking less imported beer because they're drinking more domestic craft beer instead. 5 Jan 2011 10:17

SABMiller buys Argentine brewer

SABMiller on Wednesday announced its entry into the Argentine market after agreeing to buy CASA Isenbeck from German rival Warsteiner Group for an undisclosed sum. 25 Nov 2010 11:38

Nampak plan to box clever pays off

Nampak announced that for the year ended 30 September 2010, its operating profit increased by 126% following good turnarounds in the paper businesses in South Africa and Europe and the sale or closure of a number of loss-making businesses. 24 Nov 2010 09:51