DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ ADNOC German oil deal has bad timing, good logic
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-28 | by ( Karen Kwok | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), the state-owned Abu Dhabi oil giant he runs, is considering a bid for BASF-owned (BASFn.DE) Wintershall Dea, at a potential $11 billion valuation. The UAE firm is already in talks to buy chemical company Covestro (1COV.DE), Wintershall’s German compatriot, for $12 billion. Abu Dhabi's oil riches mean the UAE firm has the wherewithal to pay 5.5 billion euros for BASF’s Wintershall stake. Any deal could value Wintershall Dea at more than 10 billion euros ($11 billion), Bloomberg reported. BASF holds a 72.7% stake in Wintershall Dea.

Persons: Toru Hanai, Wintershall, Jaber, It’s, Austria’s, Abu, LetterOne, George Hay, Streisand Neto Organizations: REUTERS, Reuters, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, BASF, The, Shell, Russian, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Abu, National Oil Company, Bloomberg, Wintershall Dea . Investment, Thomson Locations: Gastech, Chiba, Japan, Abu Dhabi, The UAE, Germany, Norway, UAE, Europe, United Kingdom, Abu, Russia, Wintershall Dea

☆ Global bank ranking removes Unicredit and moves up UBS, China banks
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Unicredit Bank logo is seen in this illustration taken March 12, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsZURICH, Nov 27 (Reuters) - The Financial Stability Board (FSB) on Monday removed Italy's UniCredit (CRDI.MI) from the list of global systemically important banks and moved three banks, including Switzerland's UBS (UBSG.S), up a bucket. UniCredit, which was the only lender in Italy among those deemed as being of global systemic importance by the FSB, had no comment. UBS moved up a bucket after earlier this year taking over Credit Suisse in the first merger of two systemically important banks. Agricultural Bank of China and China Construction Bank also moved up from bucket 1 to bucket 2.

Persons: Dado Ruvic, Italy's, Noele Illien, Giulio Piovaccari, Louise Heavens, Sharon Singleton Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, UBS, UniCredit, Credit Suisse, China's Bank of Communications, Agricultural Bank of, China Construction Bank, Thomson Locations: Italy, Agricultural Bank of China

☆ South Korean city turns to matchmaking to boost low birth rates
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-27 | by ( Soo-Hyang Choi | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

They were participants at a mass blind-dating event hosted by Seongnam city, an attempt by the local government to reverse a falling birth rate in a country where the popularity of marriage and enthusiasm towards parenthood have nosedived. Jung Jae-hoon, a professor at the department of social welfare at Seoul Women's University, said it was "nonsense" to expect these events to lead to higher birth rates. "You need to spend more money directly on supporting pregnancy, child delivery and parenting to call it a policy to boost birth rates," Jung said. Despite criticism, thousands of people have signed up for this year's blind-dating events arranged by the Seongnam city. "Low birth rates cannot be resolved with a single policy," Shin said.

Persons: Lee Yu, Hwang Da, Hwang, Jung Jae, Jung, Shin Sang, Shin, It's, Soo, hyang Choi, Daewoung Kim, Josh Smith, Stephen Coates Organizations: Seongnam, Organisation for Economic Co, Development, Seoul Women's University, Minwoo, Thomson Locations: SEONGNAM, South Korea, Seoul, Korean, United States, Japan, Seongnam

☆ China's respiratory illness surge not as high as pre-pandemic- WHO official
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-27 | by ( Andrew Silver | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

SHANGHAI, Nov 27 (Reuters) - The spike in respiratory illnesses that China is currently going through is not as high as before the COVID-19 pandemic, a World Health Organisation official said, reiterating that no new or unusual pathogens had been found in the recent cases. And the waves that they’re seeing now, the peak is not as high as what they saw in 2018-2019," Van Kerkhove told health news outlet STAT in an interview on Friday. China's National Health Commission spokesperson Mi Feng said on Sunday the surge in acute respiratory illnesses was linked to the simultaneous circulation of several kinds of pathogens, most prominently influenza. The WHO said on Friday no new or unusual pathogens had been found in the recent illnesses. Reporting by Andrew Silver; Editing by Miyoung Kim and Miral FahmyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Maria Van Kerkhove, Van Kerkhove, Mi Feng, Andrew Silver, Miyoung Kim Organizations: Health, World Health Organization, China, Program, WHO, Thomson Locations: SHANGHAI, China, Wuhan

BEIJING (AP) — A surge in respiratory illnesses across China that has drawn the attention of the World Health Organization is caused by the flu and other known pathogens and not by a novel virus, the country's health ministry said Sunday. The emergence of new flu strains or other viruses capable of triggering pandemics typically starts with undiagnosed clusters of respiratory illness. Chinese authorities earlier this month blamed the increase in respiratory diseases on the lifting of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Other countries also saw a jump in respiratory diseases such as RSV when pandemic restrictions ended. WHO said that there was too little information at the moment to properly assess the risk of these reported cases of respiratory illness in children.

Persons: ”, Mi Feng Organizations: BEIJING, World Health, National Health Commission, WHO Locations: China, Beijing, Wuhan

☆ China ministry seeks more fever clinics to combat respiratory illness surge
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-26 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Parents take their children to see a doctor at the pediatric emergency department of a hospital in Shanghai, China, November 14, 2023. Recently, Shanghai seasonal change, A influenza and mycoplasma pneumonia high incidence. China's health ministry on Sunday urged local authorities to increase the number of fever clinics as the country grapples with a surge in respiratory illnesses in its first full winter since easing COVID-19 restrictions. National Health Commission spokesperson Mi Feng said on Sunday the surge in acute respiratory illnesses was linked to the simultaneous circulation of several kinds of pathogens, most prominently influenza. Cases among children are appearing especially high in northern areas like Beijing and Liaoning province, where hospitals are warning of long waits.

Persons: Mi Feng, Mi Organizations: Sunday, World Health Organization, China, Program, WHO, Health, State Council, State Locations: Shanghai, China, Wuhan, Beijing, Liaoning province

☆ Stellantis to revise up revenue target for 'circular economy' unit
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

A flag with the logo of Stellantis is seen at the company's corporate office building in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines near Paris, France, May 5, 2021. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsCompanies Stellantis NV FollowTURIN, Italy, Nov 23 (Reuters) - Stellantis' (STLAM.MI) revenue target for its recycling and reconditioning unit will be raised after growing 25% so far this year, the group's Chief Executive Carlos Tavares said on Thursday inaugurating its first hub for the business. As part of its long-term business plan, the Franco-Italian group has said it aimed to generate 2 billion euros ($2.2 billion) in revenue by 2030 from its "circular economy" unit, by recycling and extending the life of parts and materials. Located in the Mirafiori complex, in Turin, the new circular economy hub focuses on life extension for parts and vehicles, component reconditioning as well as recycling materials to return to the manufacturing loop. The site, for which Stellantis has invested 40 million euros, currently employs 170 highly-trained employees, projected to rise to around 550 people by 2025.

Persons: Gonzalo Fuentes, Carlos Tavares, Tavares, Stellantis, Giulio Piovaccari, David Evans Organizations: REUTERS, Thomson Locations: Saint, Yvelines, Paris, France, TURIN, Italy, Franco, Italian, Turin

☆ European mobile data traffic to triple by 2028 -GSMA
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The GSMA, which brings together more than 1,000 mobile phone operators and businesses, said 5G subscribers were interested in adding high-bandwidth services and content to their mobile contracts, as demand for high-quality gaming, extended reality, and video content grows. Mobile data traffic per smartphone will increase in Western Europe to 56 gigabytes (GB) per month in 2028, compared with 20 GB last year. In Central and Eastern Europe, it will rise to 37 GB per month from 14 GB in 2022, the lobby group said in its annual mobile economy report. More than 460 million Europeans, or 85% of the population, were connected to mobile internet in 2022, according to the GSMA. ($1 = 0.9168 euros)Reporting Diana Mandiá, editing by Milla Nissi and Emelia Sithole-MatariseOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Denis Balibouse, GSMA, We're, Daniel Pataki, Diana Mandiá, Milla Nissi, Emelia Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Qatar, REUTERS, Telecom Italia, Big Tech, Netflix, Microsoft, European Commission, Reuters, Thomson Locations: France, Argentina, Paris, Mobile, Western Europe, Central, Eastern Europe, Orange, Europe

REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBEIJING, Nov 23 (Reuters) - Apple (AAPL.O) saw a decline in the number of smartphones sold during China's recent Singles Day shopping festival, data from Counterpoint Research showed, lagging domestic rivals Huawei and Xiaomi which recorded robust increases. The number of Apple smartphones sold declined 4% year-on-year during the two-week sales from Oct. 30 to Nov. 12, the research consultancy said on Thursday. In comparison, the number of units sold by Huawei (HWT.UL) and Xiaomi (1810.HK) grew 66% and 28% respectively year-on-year over the same period. The increases for Huawei and Xiaomi helped fuel a 5% year-over-year rise in the overall number of Chinese smartphones sold during the promotion period, it said. ($1 = 7.2111 Chinese yuan renminbi)Reporting by Yelin Mo and Brenda Goh; editing by Miral FahmyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Mike Segar, China's, JD.com, Xiaomi, Lei Jun, Ivan Lam, Yelin Mo, Brenda Goh, Miral Organizations: Apple Inc, Apple, REUTERS, Rights, Counterpoint Research, Huawei, HK, IDC, Thomson Locations: Manhattan , New York, U.S, Rights BEIJING, China, United States

Defence Minister Yasar Guler said last week that Turkey was in talks with Britain and Spain to buy Eurofighter Typhoon jets, though Germany objected to the idea. Guler was holding talks on the issue with his British counterpart Grant Shapps in Ankara on Thursday, the source said. Turkey wants to buy the most advanced, newly built version of the Eurofighter, he added. NATO member Turkey requested in October 2021 to buy 40 Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) F-16 fighters and 79 modernisation kits for its existing warplanes. The Eurofighter Typhoon jets are built by a consortium of Germany, Britain, Italy and Spain, represented by Airbus (AIR.PA), BAE Systems (BAES.L) and Leonardo (LDOF.MI).

Persons: Yasar Guler, Guler, Grant Shapps, Joe Biden's, Leonardo, Tayfun Ozberk, Serhat, Huseyin Hayatsever, Jonathan Spicer, William Maclean Organizations: Eurofighter, . Defence, Eurofighter Typhoon, British, NATO, Turkey, Lockheed Martin Corp, U.S . Congress, Airbus, BAE Systems, Biden Administration, Eurofighter Typhoons, Kadir Has University, Turkish Air Force, Thomson Locations: ANKARA, Turkey, United States, Turkish, Britain, Spain, Germany, Ankara, Italy

☆ So many kids are falling sick in China that a children's hospital said it saw 13,000 cases in a single day
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-23 | by ( Matthew Loh | Kim Schewitz | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Northern China is struggling with a wave of respiratory illnesses among its children. Cities like Beijing and Tianjin have been hit hard by cases of flu and pneumonia, hospitals said. Children wait on the stairs at a children hospital in Beijing on November 23, 2023, with some administered with drips. "All the children have respiratory illnesses." Children receive a drip at a children hospital in Beijing on November 23, 2023.

Persons: —, Liu Wei, Liu, imploring, JADE GAO, Mi Feng, they're, It's, JADE GAOJADE, Hu Xijin, Hu, David Heymann, Francois Balloux Organizations: Service, Beijing Aviation General, Management, drips, Getty, Changjiang, Health, Business, Global Times, Health Organization, London School of Hygiene, Tropical Medicine, UCL Genetics Institute Locations: Northern China, Cities, Beijing, Tianjin, China, Tianjian, Wuhan, Hubei, Chongqing, Weibo

Enel, hitherto the world's biggest listed renewables developer, plans 35.8 billion euros ($39 billion) of gross capital expenditure in its plan to 2026, of which nearly 19 billion euros will help to modernise and make its networks more resilient. Shares in the state-controlled power group were down 0.4% at 1530 GMT paring a 1% initial loss on the Milan bourse and underperforming a nearly flat blue-chip index. Rising indebtedness was one of the reasons why the Italian government, which is the single biggest shareholder in Enel, decided to oust the group's previous CEO, Francesco Starace. New CEO Flavio Cattaneo pledged to spend only the cash generated by the business, without increasing the debt pile. The group will devote some 3 billion euros to actively manage its customer portfolio through bundled offers, which will include different commodities and services.

Persons: Antonio Parrinello, Enel, Francesco Starace, Flavio Cattaneo, Cattaneo, Stefano De Angelis, Starace, Francesca Landini, Giancarlo Navach, Keith Weir, Giulia Segreti, Elaine Hardcastle, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: REUTERS, Milan bourse, Thomson Locations: Catania, Italy, MILAN, Milan, Enel

Investments in renewables will be more selective, the group said, adding it would spend 12.1 billion euros in onshore wind, solar and battery storage. It will devote 49% of gross capex to investments in Italy, up from a 48% in the previous plan, which envisaged investment of 37 billion euros including 17 billion for renewables. Flavio Cattaneo, who succeeded long-serving CEO Francesco Starace in May, said the new 2024-26 business plan would turn Enel into a leaner and more flexible group. Enel said its net ordinary income was expected to grow to between 6.6 billion and 6.8 billion euros next year and rise to 7.1-7.3 billion euros in 2026. ($1 = 0.9168 euros)Reporting by Francesca Landini, editing by Giulia SegretiOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Flavio Cattaneo, Francesco Starace, Cattaneo, Enel, Francesca Landini, Giulia Segreti Organizations: MILAN, Investments, Thomson Locations: Italy

☆ Ukraine's new ATACMS shook Russia's attack helicopter fleet, but experts say Russian Ka-52 'Alligators' are still a threat to the front lines
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-22 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Ukraine's first ATACMS strike hit Russia's attack helicopter fleet, destroying several Ka-52 "Alligators." Experts and milbloggers suggest that the attack helicopters are still a threat to the front lines. AdvertisementUkraine's first strike using its MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS, dealt a harsh blow to the Russian attack helicopter fleet. AdvertisementRob Lee, a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute think tank, backed up the assessment that the attack helicopters are very much in use. Russia's Ka-52 helicopters proved to be a headache for Ukrainian forces during the much-anticipated summer counteroffensive in southern Ukraine.

Persons: Ukraine's, —, Moscow's, milblogger, Tatarigami, Rob Lee, Sergey Pivovarov, Lee, Russia's Organizations: Service, MGM, Tactical Missile Systems, Tatarigami UA, Foreign Policy Research Institute, REUTERS, NATO Locations: Moscow, Ukrainian, Russia, Russia’s Rostov, FARPs, Ukraine, Russian, Kyiv, American

☆ Stellantis buys back shares worth $1 bln from Chinese JV partner Dongfeng
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

The Stellantis logo is seen during the New York International Auto Show, in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., April 5, 2023. REUTERS/David 'Dee' Delgado/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsNov 22 (Reuters) - Chrysler-parent Stellantis (STLAM.MI) said on Wednesday it has repurchased 50 million common shares from Dongfeng Motor (Hong Kong) International (0489.HK) for about 934 million euros ($1.02 billion). Stellantis, which has a joint venture with Dongfeng Motor in China, said it plans to cancel these shares and the transaction with Dongfeng would not impact its 1.5 billion euros open-market repurchase program. Chinese automaker Dongfeng would retain 49.2 million common shares, which represents 1.58% of Stellantis' share capital post-cancellation. ($1 = 0.9168 euros)Reporting by Priyamvada C in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi MajumdarOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: David, Dee, Delgado, Priyamvada, Shilpi Majumdar Organizations: New York, REUTERS, Chrysler, Dongfeng, HK, Thomson Locations: Manhattan , New York City, U.S, Hong Kong, China, Bengaluru

☆ US durable goods orders fall on weakness in transportation equipment sector
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Durable goods are seen on sale in a store in Los Angeles, California, U.S., March 24, 2017. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast durable goods orders would decline 3.1%. Durable goods orders rose 4.0% on a year-over-year basis in October. These so-called core capital goods orders were previously reported to have risen 0.5% in September. Business spending on equipment spending contracted in the third quarter.

Persons: Lucy Nicholson, Detroit's, Lucia Mutikani, Paul Simao Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, United Auto Workers, UAW, Data, Reuters, Manufacturing, General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Civilian, Boeing, Machinery, Thomson Locations: Los Angeles , California, U.S, Department's

☆ Berlusconi family holding adds two board seats as daughter Eleonora joins
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Eleonora Berlusconi, Barbara Berlusconi and Luigi Berlusconi react on the day of the state funeral of former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi outside the Duomo Cathedral, in Milan, Italy June 14, 2023. The other new entry is lawyer Michele Carpinelli, an M&A expert and a long-time family adviser, the source added. In his will, Berlusconi, who died aged 86 in June, handed his eldest children, Marina and Pier Silvio, joint control of Fininvest through a combined, indirect 52% stake. Marina and Pier Silvio have been directly involved in running the family business for almost two decades. Pier Silvio, Barbara and Luigi have long been board members.

Persons: Eleonora Berlusconi, Barbara Berlusconi, Luigi Berlusconi, Silvio Berlusconi, Claudia Greco, Berlusconi, Michele Carpinelli, Silvio, Barbara, Eleonora, Luigi, Marina Berlusconi, Berlusconi's, Mediolanum, Elvira Pollina, Keith Weir, Valentina Za Organizations: Italian, Duomo Cathedral, REUTERS, Repubblica, Marina, Mondadori, Thomson Locations: Duomo, Milan, Italy

Amundi signed a 10-year distribution accord in 2017 when it bought UniCredit's Pioneer Investments for 3.6 billion euros. Credit Agricole CEO Philippe Brassac told reporters this month it was no secret UniCredit was looking at ways "to optimise" the accord with Amundi. Orcel, sources have said, is unhappy with the amount of Amundi funds the accord binds UniCredit to place with customers. UniCredit had 134 billion euros in AUM from fund and portfolio management as of Sept. 30. If their relationship ended after 2027, it would still take UniCredit time to replace Amundi funds with other products.

Persons: Sarah Meyssonnier, Amundi, Andrea Orcel, UniCredit, Philippe Brassac, Brassac, Orcel, Azimut, Valentina Za, Mathieu Rosemain, Silvia Aloisi, Alexander Smith Organizations: REUTERS, Reuters, Investments, Agricole, Credit, Amundi, Thomson Locations: Paris, France, MILAN, Italy, Italian, Milan

☆ Stellantis, CATL sign preliminary deal for LFP battery supply in Europe, consider JV
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] The Stellantis logo is seen during the New York International Auto Show, in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., April 5, 2023. REUTERS/David 'Dee' Delgado Acquire Licensing RightsMILAN, Nov 21 (Reuters) - Carmaker Stellantis (STLAM.MI) and Chinese EV battery giant CATL (300750.SZ) said on Tuesday they signed a preliminary agreement for the supply of battery cells and modules for the automaker's electric vehicle (EV) production in Europe. The two companies said in a joint statement they were also considering a possible investment to set up a 50-50 joint venture to support the automakers' electrification strategy. Stellantis and CATL said the memorandum of understanding (MoU) announced on Tuesday outlined a long-term collaboration between the two groups, including "identifying opportunities to further strengthen the battery value chain". For its EV battery needs in Europe Stellantis is building three gigafactories, in France, Germany and Italy through its ACC joint venture with Mercedes (MBGn.DE) and TotalEnergies (TTEF.PA), while others might follow in the region.

Persons: David, Dee, Delgado, Alfa Romeo, Stellantis, CATL, Robin Zeng, Carlos Tavares, Giulio Piovaccari, Chizu Organizations: New York, REUTERS, EV, Franco, Jeep, Peugeot, Fiat, Alfa, ACC, Mercedes, Fiat Chrysler, PSA, Thomson Locations: Manhattan , New York City, U.S, Europe, Italian, France, Germany, Italy

☆ Hybrid vehicle sales surge in China, posing fresh threat to foreign automakers
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

A Li L7 electric SUV by Li Auto is displayed at the Auto Shanghai show, in Shanghai, China April 18, 2023. One-third of total vehicle sales by Toyota, the world's top-selling automaker, are already hybrids and the company reported a 34% surge in hybrid sales in the six months to end-September, outpacing 9% growth in overall revenue. Sales of HEVs in China, which Toyota still dominates with four top-selling models, tumbled 15%, while gasoline car sales dropped 11%, underscoring potential challenges facing foreign automakers. But it was a failed trial, with sales of just over 4,000 units, and GM in 2020 halted sales. BYD is expanding PHEV sales overseas, offering Han, Qin and Song lineups in Latin America, which has less charging infrastructure.

Persons: Li Auto, Aly, Xu Min, Yale Zhang, BYD, Li, Han, Qin, Stellantis, Leapmotor, Xu, Bill Russo, Zhang Yan, Brenda Goh, Miyoung Kim, Gerry Doyle Organizations: Li, Auto, REUTERS, Rights, Toyota, Honda, Shanghai Jiao Tong University's Institute, Intelligent, Reuters, China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, HK, Automotive Foresight, Reuters Graphics, Prius, General Motors, Buick, GM, Li Auto, Jiao Tong University, HEVs, Thomson Locations: Auto Shanghai, Shanghai, China, Europe, U.S, outpacing, United States, Shanghai Jiao, Reuters Graphics CHINA, America, Leapmotor, North America

☆ EU October car sales up 14.6%, EV sales jump more than 36%
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-21 | by ( Nick Carey | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Abdul Saboor/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsLONDON, Nov 21 (Reuters) - New car sales in the European Union rose 14.6% in October, boosted in part by a big jump in sales of fully electric cars, while hybrid electric vehicles accounted for nearly three of every 10 vehicles sold in the economic bloc. Sales of fully electric cars rose 36.3% from a year earlier and full hybrid sales were up nearly 39% as the EU recorded its 15th consecutive month of sales growth, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) said on Tuesday. The ACEA said fully electric cars made up 14.2% of sales in October, overtaking sales of diesel cars for the third time. For the ten months through October, sales of fully electric cars were up 53.1%. Reuters GraphicsTesla's (TSLA.O) sales rose nearly 150%, accounting for nearly 12% of fully electric car sales in the EU.

Persons: Abdul Saboor, Nick Carey, Matthew Lewis Organizations: Citroen, REUTERS, Union, EU, European Automobile Manufacturers Association, Reuters Graphics, Volkswagen, Europe's, Renault, European Free Trade Association, Thomson Locations: Meudon, Paris, France, EU, Britain, London

☆ Monte Paschi rebirth is vindication for Rome
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS / Jennifer Lorenzini Acquire Licensing RightsMILAN, Nov 21 (Reuters Breakingviews) - Italy’s privatisation of bailed-out lender Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena (BMPS.MI) may finally be on the right track. The sale price was nearly 50% higher than last year’s high-stakes 2.5 billion euro capital increase, which cost taxpayers 1.6 billion euros. Rome took advantage of a near-30% rally in Monte Paschi’s shares during the month leading up to the sale. Granted, Rome will never recoup the around 5.4 billion euros it burnt to save Monte Paschi in 2017. Two years ago, interest rates were low and Monte Paschi's recovery seemed a distant prospect.

Persons: Jennifer Lorenzini, Siena, Monte Paschi, Andrea Orcel, Lisa Jucca, Banks, Liam Proud, Streisand Neto Organizations: REUTERS, Reuters, Banca Monte dei, Treasury, X, Walmart, Thomson Locations: Monte dei, Siena, Italy, Rome, Monte Paschi’s, Monte

☆ ECB says property slump could last years in threat to lenders
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

An ECB report which examines threats to financial stability underscored heightened concern over a property boom that is now unravelling in countries such as Germany and Sweden. Commercial property prices have been hit by economic weakness and high interest rates over the last year, challenging the sector's profitability and business model, the ECB said. The sector is not big enough to create a systemic risk for lenders, but could increase shocks across the financial system and greatly impact the financial firms, from investment funds to insurance firms, collectively known as shadow banks. The ECB issued its report as deep cracks emerged in the property market of the euro zone's top economy, Germany. Commercial real estate transactions were down 47% in the first half of 2023, compared with the same period in 2022.

Persons: René Benko, Banks, Balazs Koranyi, John O'Donnell, Barbara Lewis, Alexander Smith Organizations: European Central Bank, ECB, Signa, Chrysler, Signa Group, Reuters, Raiffeisen Bank, Bank, Thomson Locations: FRANKFURT, Germany, Sweden, Austrian, Hamburg, Austria, Bank Austria

ROME, Nov 21 (Reuters) - Italy is considering candidates to take the helm of state lender Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), three sources close to the matter told Reuters, as part of a wider shake-up of state-controlled companies. State-backed investor CDP, founded 173 years ago, plays a key role in keeping strategic assets in national hands. Asked to comment on a change of CEO at CDP, Meloni's office said any rumours of a replacement for Scannapieco were unfounded. Rome is expected to decide on the top management of CDP in March at the latest, immediately after the approval of this year's CDP financial accounts, the sources said. The state lender invests savings made by Italians through the national post office network Poste Italiane.

Persons: Dario Scannapieco, Fincantieri, Giorgia, Scannapieco, Antonino Turicchi, Stefano Donnarumma, Mario Draghi, Elvira Pollina, Susan Fenton Organizations: Eni, ITA Airways, European Investment Bank, Telecom Italia's, Thomson Locations: Italy, State, Rome, EU, Milan

☆ Italy raises $1 bln as reduces Monte dei Paschi stake
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

NOVEMBER 2007 - MPS buys Antonveneta from Santander (SAN.MC) for 9 billion euros in cash, months after the Spanish bank paid 6.6 billion euros for it. JULY 2011 - MPS raises 2.15 billion euros in a rights issue ahead of European stress test results. JUNE 2014 - MPS raises 5 billion euros in a rights issue and repays the state 3.1 billion euros. JUNE 2015 - MPS raises 3 billion euros in cash after a 5.3 billion euro net loss for 2014 on record bad loan writedowns. It repays the remaining 1.1 billion euro state underwritten special bond.

Persons: Valentina Za, Keith Weir Organizations: MILAN, Monday, MPS, JPMorgan, Treasury, Bank of Italy, Antonveneta, Italy's, ECB, EU Commission, Thomson Locations: Italy, Siena, Santander, Europe

Search resuls for: "MI"

25 mentions found