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Home | News and Press | BBC Business News

BBC Business News

Glencore-Xstrata in $90bn merger

Anglo-Swiss mining group Xstrata announces a $90bn merger with Glencore, the world's largest commodity trader.

Euro 'could survive Greece exit'

EU Commissioner Neelie Kroes piles pressure on Greece to agree tough reforms, saying a euro exit would be "no man overboard".

UBS profits down on weak business

Profits at Swiss bank UBS slump by three-quarters and the outlook remains tough as the eurozone crisis saps business.

BP ups dividend as profits rise

BP announces sharply higher profits and increases its dividend to shareholders for the first time since the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil disaster.

India growth 'to fall below 7%'

India's economic growth is likely to dip below 7% for the 2011-12 financial year, new government statistics show.

Toyota increases profits forecast

Carmaker Toyota raises its profits forecast, saying its recovery is on track after the Japanese tsunami, Thai floods and the strong yen.

Morning business round-up

What made the business news in Asia and Europe this morning? Read our daily business round-up to find out.

Loss at steel maker ArcelorMittal

Steel maker ArcelorMittal reports a loss for the final three months of last year, but forecasts better times ahead.

Fall in German industrial output

Production at German factories recorded a surprise fall in December, figures show

Indian aviation rescue unveiled

India sets out plans to allow aviation firms to import jet fuel directly, part of a package to bolster the ailing air industry.

Citi to launch China credit cards

The Chinese unit of Citigroup wins approval to launch credit cards in China, the first non-Asian bank to do so.

Freeze prompts Europe emergencies

As freezing weather grips much of Europe, Italy takes steps to conserve gas while emergency situations have been declared in other countries.

Macquarie falls on profit warning

Macquarie Group, the largest investment bank in Australia, says it expects full year profits to drop 25% as a weak market hurts its business.

India miners face licence repeal

A panel appointed by India's Supreme Court recommends that the licences of as many as 49 iron ore miners should be cancelled.

China drives growth for KFC owner

The owner of restaurant brands KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell reports another set of strong figures, helped by growth in China.

US bank chairman in Vietnam push

The head of the US Export-Import Bank, an independent federal agency, pushes for infrastructure deals with Vietnam worth $1.5bn (£949m).

Brazil sells control of airports

The Brazilian government privatises operations at three airports as part of moves to upgrade transport links ahead of the World Cup.

Japan carmakers see US sales jump

Japanese carmakers report a jump in their US sales in January boosted by new models and the restoration of supply chains.

American Airlines cuts 13,000 jobs

The loss-making parent company of American Airlines says it will shed 13,000 jobs - around 15% of its workforce.

Gas price rises as freeze bites

The price of gas increases sharply around Europe as below-freezing temperatures lead to a surge in demand.

Greek leaders pause bailout talks

Party leaders in Greece's ruling coalition end talks on details for a crucial 130bn-euro EU rescue plan without agreement.

Hungarian airline Malev collapses

Hungarian airline Malev ceases trading after 66 years after being ordered by the EU to repay state aid it has received.

Uganda signs oil production deal

Oil production is set to start in Uganda after a deal is signed between the government and London-based Tullow oil, which also draws in Chinese and French firms.

IMF warns of Iran oil shock risk

The International Monetary Fund warns of a possible 20-30% spike in oil prices if Iranian exports are disrupted.

South Sudan in oil pipeline deal

South Sudan agrees a deal with Kenya to build an pipeline to Lamu, potentially reducing its dependence on its northern neighbour Sudan to export its oil.

HTC profits up but outlook poor

Taiwan smartphone maker HTC reports a 57% jump in annual profits, but it predicts a downbeat start to trading this year.

Euro crisis 'could damage China'

A eurozone recession could almost halve Chinese growth this year, according to a report by the International Monetary Fund.

Hutchison to buy Orange Austria

Hong Kong's Hutchison 3G agrees to buy Orange Austria in a bid to expand it presence and boost market share in the country.

2012 venue naming rights for sale

The Olympic Park Legacy Company has launched a process to recruit sponsors of venues beyond London 2012.

Hearts face action over tax bill

Heart of Midlothian Football Club is given eight days by tax officials to pay an outstanding bill or face liquidation.

Gers Whyte may have lied to court

BBC Scotland uncovers evidence which suggests Rangers owner Craig Whyte may have lied in court.

Viewpoint: The connected workforce

Google's Sebastien Marotte on the internet giant's predictions that the cloud, mobile and social media are going to radically alter the way we work

India's richest shrine goes green

India’s Tirupati Temple has adopted a range of green technologies - and the shrine is now trading carbon credits.

Threat landscape is 'constantly evolving'

Threat landscape is constantly evolving, says McAfee chief technology office.

Giving an invasive water pest the bullet

The small firms working together to help to tackle one of the UK's most invasive species - the zebra mussel.

What drives US entrepreneurship?

What is the secret behind the high number of successful business start-ups in the US? We talk to three American business people.

Financial risks: Danger or opportunity?

During a financial crisis the instinctive reaction is to take cover but, according to some people, that is the perfect time to take risks.

Stores offer warranty concessions

Dixons, Comet and Argos have pledged to improve the way extended warranties for electrical goods are sold, the Office for Fair Trading says.

EMA replacement 'failing young'

A report suggests poor young students are dropping out of college because the government's bursary scheme is "inadequate".

Pension costs 'may rise faster'

The mortality rate in England and Wales improved in 2011, which could have a knock-on effect on pensions, actuaries say.

VIDEO: Thousands in Greece go on strike

Public transport and ports have ground to a halt in Greece as two of the country's largest public-sector unions strike in protest at continuing austerity.

VIDEO: Connecting the future of business travel

As almost any road warrior will tell you, wi-fi connectivity is becoming more and more important and necessary.

VIDEO: Glencore-Xstrata 'formidable' merger

The commodities trader Glencore and the Swiss miner Xstrata have confirmed a $90bn merger: Rupert Nathan of Fat Prophets explains how they can benefit.

VIDEO: Perfect weather for ice wine makers

For Czech Republics ice wine makers freezing temperature is just right for harvesting grapes.

VIDEO: Sri Lankan concern over Iran oil

People in Sri Lanka are growing increasingly worried about the effect on their economy of US-led sanctions against Iran.

VIDEO: Chinese airlines 'to shun EU tax'

Beijing has banned Chinese airlines from taking part in the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), aimed at cutting carbon emissions.

AUDIO: How did Canada weather the crisis?

The president of the Toronto Financial Services Alliance told Radio 5 live how Canada managed to avoid a state-bailout.

VIDEO: Eye-tracking helps advertisers

Developments in eye-tracking technology are helping advertisers predict what products will appeal to customers.

'Europe is poor so should cut the cloth accordingly'

Time to learn from Asia and cut the cloth accordingly says Mahathir Mohamed

China loosens grip on yuan

Foreigners allowed to invest directly using yuan

What the Dickens is the author worth?

Valuing the author's brand, 200 years after his birth

Road warriors struggle to get connected

Road warriors struggle to get connected

Tales of woe from the roaming professionals

When working in a new country can prove unlucky

Credit where it's due

Would Scotland inherit the UK's triple-A rating?

People problems plague Gulf start-ups

Staffing issues plague Gulf start-ups

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