Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The Business Matrix: Friday 23 December 2011

 

Thursday 22 December 2011 20:00 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

CMC starting to hit right notes

Content Media Corporation, which owns and distributes a library of film, television and digital assets, reported reduced first-half pre-tax losses yesterday and said it was expecting a stronger second-half. The company's film rights include When You're Strange: A Story About The Doors which is narrated by Johnny Depp.

Metrodome fires profits warning

The television and film rights management company Metrodome has warned that its profits for 2011 will be "materially below" market expectations. Its TV unit, Target Entertainment, which distributes shows such as Taggart, suffered tougher than expected trading conditions in recent months due to a slowdown in its European markets.

Alzheimer's indicator plans

The pharmaceutical services firm Proteome said it has made progress in discovering a potential indicator of Alzheimer's disease. It hopes its programme will next year be licensed to a pharmaceutical company for further development, bringing in "significant fees, milestones and royalties".

Jobless stats point to economy boost

The number of Americans filing new claims for jobless benefits hit a three-and-a-half-year low last week, bolstering views the economy was gaining momentum, even though third-quarter growth was revised down from 2.0 to 1.8 per cent in the third quarter on an annualised basis.

Energy bills up despite less use

Household energy bills rose 9.2 per cent on average this year, even though consumption levels were lower than in 2010, according to provisional government data. Britons paid £100 more for gas and electricity than in 2010, with average bills costing £1,175.

Scapa Group buys US rival for $45m

Scapa Group, which supplies adhesive bonding for electronics and medical equipment, yesterday splashed out up to $45m (£29m) to buy US rival Webtec Converting. The firm said the acquisition would boost its medical expertise, particularly in such fast-growing areas as advanced woundcare and silicone-based dressings.

Broker's bonus alternative

The stockbroker Daniel Stewart has come up with a novel alternative to the City bonus. It now pays its 57 staff, from receptionist to chief executive, a monthly "retention payment" equivalent to what their bonus for the year would be. Retention payments of £361,000 contributed to a half-yearly loss of £606,000, against a profit of £190,000 a year ago.

Hansteen's £150m on warehouses

The property investor Hansteen Holdings and a fund managed by the firm have spent £150m on 88 industrial warehouses formerly owned by the Merseyside-based Spencer Group. The deal is one of Hansteen's biggest after the firm raised £150m to snap up bargains earlier this year. It has £300m for further deals.

Key extension for Imaginatik

The IT and innovation consultancy Imaginatik has won a "significant" two-year extension to a contract with a major provider of property and casualty insurance. The Winchester-based company said the new contract builds on an agreement initially signed in 2008.

Rolls-Royce seals Thai Airways deal

The engine maker Rolls-Royce has won a contract to provide engines for 20 new aircraft for Thai Airways International. The Asian airline said that the efficient engines would help it to improve its environmental performance.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in