Research and Markets: Overview of Indian Oncology Market Report – Expanding Ageing Population and Better Outreach of Modern Therapies Fuels Growth

DUBLIN–(Business Wire)–
Research and Markets
(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/5d1b7e/overview_of_indian) has
announced the addition of Frost & Sullivan’s new report “Overview of Indian
Oncology Market” to their offering.

This Frost & Sullivan research service titled Overview of Indian Oncology Market
provides an understanding of various cancer indications and their market
structure. In this research, Frost & Sullivan’s expert analysts thoroughly
examine the following markets: breast cancer, lung cancer market, prostate
cancer market, head and neck cancer market, ovarian cancer market, cervical
cancer market, renal cell carcinoma market and pancreatic cancer market.

Market Overview

Expanding Ageing Population and Better Outreach of Modern Therapies Fuels Growth
in the Indian Oncology Market

The Indian oncology market is witnessing strong growth alongside fast-paced
development in the pharmaceutical sector. The market is expected to grow at a
compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21 percent from 2008 to 2014, driven by
the introduction of new treatments, increasing number of patients on
chemotherapy, and improved access to modern cancer therapies. Cancer is one of
the ten leading causes of death in India. Nearly half the cases are curable if
detected early. Due to the high prevalence of cancer, the oncology market is
witnessing fast-paced growth. High spending on therapeutic drugs for cancer in
the emerging economies including India is fuelling market growth. “With the
expanding base of patients undergoing chemotherapy in the major markets and
greater access to modern therapies, cancer drugs are poised for widespread
uptake,” notes the analyst of this research service. “Moreover, the increase in
the ageing population is another factor contributing positive momentum for the
market.” A 40 to 50 percent increase in incidences can be seen for some of the
major cancer indications such a prostate cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer,
head and neck cancer. Also the high prevalence of smoking is loading to the
proliferation in the number of patients afflicted with lung cancer.

Trends indicate that the incidence of cancer will is set to assume dangerous
proportions in the future, making the disease one of the major chronic diseases
that will continue to impact peoples lives. Going forward, greater progress in
cancer therapy is envisioned along with more light being thrown on the cause of
the disease. Yet, it remains to be seen how much the refinement in the present
detection, diagnostic, and therapeutic technologies will help in containing the
spread of the disease. Large quantities of generic drugs are available in the
market for cancer treatment. Chemotherapy is highly genericised. These products
are low-priced and hence place restrictions on potential revenues.

In this market with increasing competition and generic players, it is important
to strategically position products as early in their life cycle as possible to
generate the most revenue prior to patent expiration. For the competitive
chemotherapy market, showing superior efficacy and less toxicity in combination
with targeted therapy drugs is one of the best ways to distinguish the product
over others. “To be successful in the cancer market of the future, it is
imperative for product to be established as an integral part of the standard
combination therapy regimen,” says the analyst. “This will guarantee strong
revenue and the most value to patients.” Identifying optimal drug combinations,
which significantly increase median survival, tumor resolution and reduce
toxicity and adverse effects should be the prime task for companies in the
cancer therapeutic market.

Market Sectors

Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors
in this research:

* Pharmaceuticals
* Biotechnology

Key Topics Covered:

1. Executive Summary

2. Indian Oncology Market

3. Breast Cancer Market

4. Lung Cancer Market

5. Ovarian Cancer Market

6. Prostate Cancer Market

7. Head and Neck Cancer Market

8. Cervical Cancer Market

9. Renal Cell Carcinoma Market

10. Pancreatic Cancer Market

For more information visit

http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/5d1b7e/overview_of_indian

Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager,
press@researchandmarkets.com
U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907
Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Copyright Business Wire 2010

European shares rise in early trade; banks gain

July 9 (Reuters) – European shares rose in early trade on Friday, tracking gains on Wall Street, which was boosted by jobless claims falling and a handful of large retailers reporting solid sales.

At 0706 GMT, the FTSEurofirst 300 .FTEU3 index of top European shares was up 0.6 percent at 1,021.19 points, after rising 5.1 percent in the previous three sessions.

“We’ve had better information this week, such as German exports, offsetting some of the worries about China slowing down. China will slow down, but it’s not going to stop,” said Justin Urquhart Stewart, director at Seven Investment Management. In a broad rally, the heavyweight banking sector was among the gainers, with the STOXX Europe 600 banking index .SX7P up 0.7 percent. The index is up more than 9 percent this week, on optimism that banks will pass stress tests, and after State Street (STT.N) said its earnings would beat forecasts.

Gainers included BNP Paribas (BNPP.PA), BBVA (BBVA.MC) and Credit Agricole (CAGR.PA), up between 1 and 1.4 percent. (Reporting by Brian Gorman)

UPDATE 2-Market Chatter — Corporate finance press digest

July 5 (Reuters) – The following corporate finance-related stories were reported by media on Monday:

* OPEC member Kuwait may buy some of BP’s (BP.L) Middle East and Asian assets, a Kuwait newspaper said on Monday, as part of the British oil company’s attempt to raise funds and fend off takeover bids. [ID:nLDE6640A8]

* Credit Agricole (CAGR.PA) is not planning to make major acquisitions, but may look at industrial partnerships, as it prepares a new strategic plan to be unveiled in December, its CEO told Les Echos on Monday. [ID:nLDE664034]

* VTB (VTBR.MM), Russia’s second-biggest lender, plans to acquire rival TransCreditBank, the banking unit of state monopoly Russian Railways, Russian business daily Vedomosti reported on Monday. [ID:nLDE664017]

* China’s Bright Food Group has made a cash offer of more than A$1.65 billion ($1.39 billion) for the sugar and renewables business of Australian conglomerate CSR Ltd (CSR.AX), the Australian newspaper said on Monday. [ID:nSGE66301P]

* STX Group plans to list its European unit in Singapore in October to raise as much as $570 million, according to a local media report on Monday. [ID:nTOE66400Z]

* An infrastructure fund set up by Australia’s Macquarie (MQG.AX) and State Bank of India (SBI.BO) will buy a 10 percent stake in Indian mobile tower operator Tata-Quippo for $310 million, the Economic Times said on Monday. [ID:nSGE66403Q]

* Apple (AAPL.O) is missing out on an opportunity to further expand in China, the Financial Times reported late on Sunday, citing Lenovo’s (0992.HK) Chairman Liu Chuanzhi. [ID:nTOE66400H]

* Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates on Sunday defended his government’s veto of Portugal Telecom’s (PTC.LS) sale of its stake in Brazilian wireless carrier Vivo to Telefonica (TEF.MC), saying it was in the incumbent’s strategic interests. [ID:nLDE663034]

* Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS.L) aims to put the conditions in place for the British government to start selling its 83 percent stake in the bank next year, its chief executive said, according to German paper Welt am Sonntag. [ID:nLDE6630B3]

* Wolseley (WOS.L), the world’s biggest builders merchant distributor, has put its tool hire business up for sale as part of a restructuring of its UK operations, the Independent on Sunday reported. [ID:nLDE66309Z]

* Part-nationalised Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY.L) is coming under pressure from shareholders to sell its Scottish Widows insurance business, which could fetch around 7 billion pounds ($10.6 billion), The Observer reported. [ID:nLDE663072]

* TPG [TPG.UL] and Goldman Sachs’s (GS.N) private equity wing are close to a deal to buy Europe’s largest privately owned diaper maker Ontex for more than 1.2 billion euros ($1.5 billion), the Sunday Telegraph reported. [ID:nLDE663080] (Compiled by Anirban Sen in Bangalore; editing by Simon Jessop)

European shares rise early; banks advance

July 5 (Reuters) – European shares climbed in early trading on Monday after their worst week in over a month, but worries about the pace of global economic recovery following recent grim economic data are likely to cap gains.

At 0704 GMT, the FTSEurofirst 300 .FTEU3 index of top European shares was up 0.5 percent at 974.44 points. It closed 0.1 percent higher in the previous session and posted its worst weekly performance since May 21.

“We have got the U.S. reporting season starting next week. If the news is good, and there is no reason why it shouldn’t be, the equity markets are technically in a strong position now to have a rebound,” said Mike Lenhoff, chief strategist at Brewin Dolphin.

“Valuations are very appealing now against the treasury market and corporate bonds. What we could see is a bit of profit taking from the treasury markets and the money could go back in the equity markets.”

Banks were among the top gainers. Lloyds (LLOY.L), BNP Paribas (BNPP.PA) and Credit Agricole (CAGR.PA) rose 0.8 to 1.4 percent.

U.S. markets will remain closed on Monday for a national holiday. (Reporting by Atul Prakash)

France’s Agricole not eyeing big buys -CEO in paper

July 5 (Reuters) – Credit Agricole (CAGR.PA) is not planning to make major acquisitions, but may look at industrial partnerships, as it prepares a new strategic plan to be unveiled in December, its CEO told Les Echos on Monday.

“For us, major acquisitions are not on the agenda,” Jean-Paul Chifflet, who became CEO of Credit Agricole three months ago, told the paper.

“There are many possible scenarios, such as partnerships, similar to those we made with Amundi or Newedge,” Chifflet said, referring to its asset management and brokerage partnerships, respectively.

Asked about plans for broker Newedge, a joint venture between Societe Generale (SOGN.PA) and Credit Agricole, Chifflet said a stock market listing was “not on the agenda”.

The group has adapted the strategic plan of its struggling Greek unit Emporiki (CBGr.AT), Chifflet said. Last month Agricole warned of worse-than-expected losses at Emporiki and said it would take a 400 million euro ($536.7 million) write-down as Greece fights its debt load. [ID:nLDE65M08O]

Credit Agricole’s new strategic plan would be unveiled on December 15, coming into operation before March 1 2011, Chifflet said. (Reporting by Leila Abboud and Julien Ponthus; Writing by Helen Massy-Beresford; Editing by Louise Heavens)

Research and Markets: India- Business Opportunities in the Mining Sector 2010: In 2008 Iron and Steel Sales Generated Total Revenues of $64.7 Billion

DUBLIN–(Business Wire)–
Research and Markets
(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/9fb96e/india_business_o) has
announced the addition of the “India Business Opportunities in the Mining Sector
2010″ report to their offering.

The metals and mining industry consists of the aluminium, iron and steel,
precious metals and minerals, coal and base metal markets. In the aluminium
market, only production of primary aluminium is considered. Recycled aluminium
is not included within this report. The market is valued at manufacturer’s
selling price (MSP). The base metals market consists of lead, zinc, copper,
nickel and tin.

The Indian metals and mining industry generated total revenues of $87.5 billion
in 2008, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.9% for the
period spanning 2004-2008.

Iron and steel sales proved the most lucrative for the Indian metals and mining
industry in 2008, generating total revenues of $64.7 billion, equivalent to 74%
of the industry’s overall value.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Executive Summary

2. India Mining Sector – 2010

3. India Metals & Mining Market Segmentation, By Metal & Mining Types

4. India Metals & Mining Sector An Demand Analysis

5. India Metals & Mining Sector An Competitive Analysis

6. India Metals & Mining Sector Market Players Profiles

Companies Mentioned:

* Tata Steel
* Steel Authority of India Limited
* Coal India Limited

For more information visit

http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/9fb96e/india_business_o

Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager
press@researchandmarkets.com
U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907
Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Copyright Business Wire 2010

In-Stat Forecasts over 2 Billion Mobile Devices to Be Integrated with Baseband Modem by 2014

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.–(Business Wire)–
The road to advance 4G wireless technologies is challenged by multiple wireless
standards, limited availability of spectrum, constricting business models, as
well as a host of other market and industry issues. In-Stat(www.in-stat.com)
reports that the new generation of data-centric mobile devices, such as
smartphones, netbooks, and tablets, is already straining existing 3G networks,
and despite these market and technical hurdles baseband modem integration into
mobile devices will reach 2 billion by 2014. In-Stat also projects the
following:

* The transition to 4G communication standards has begun, albeit slowly, with
3.6% of mobile devices with baseband connectivity expected to be using 4G
standards in 2014.
* Despite the early lead of WiMAX, LTE is expected to account for over 60% of
4G-enabled mobile devices in 2014.
* E-Reader.
* Integration of baseband solutions is expected to increase, resulting in an
11.0% CAGR of broadband-enabled mobile devices.
* Smartphones and computing devices are the only devices expected to transition
to 4G technologies over the next five years.

Recent In-Stat Research, New Baseband Solutions Fuel Mobile Broadband Devices,
examines technical and market dynamics surrounding the integration of baseband
modems in mobile devices and provides an overview of some of the key merchant
market semiconductor vendors. The report also includes:

* A summary of In-Stat’s forecast for all mobile devices.
* A forecast of baseband integration and enablement for each mobile device
category.
* A forecast by major 2G/3G and 4G wireless standards by device.
* A breakout of external modules by form factor for each wireless technology.
* A rollup of all mobile baseband modem shipments by 2G/3G and 4G wireless
standards.

For a free sample of the report and more information contact Elaine Potter:
epotter@reedbusiness.com or (480) 483-4441.

About In-Stat

In-Stat`s market intelligence combines technical, market and end-user research
and database models to analyze the Mobile Internet and Digital Entertainment
ecosystems. Our insights are derived from a deep understanding of technology
impacts, nearly 30 years of history in research and consulting, and direct
relationships with leading players in each of our core markets. In-Stat provides
its research through reports, annual subscriptions, consulting and advisory
services to inform critical decisions.

In-Stat
Rick Vogelei, Marketing Manager
480-483-4476
rvogelei@in-stat.com
or
Jim McGregor, Chief Technology Strategist
480-609-4554
jmcgregor@in-stat.com

Copyright Business Wire 2010

Burgeoning Biologics, New Manufacturing Methods and Promise of Biosimilars Are Driving Shifts in Biopharmaceutical Landscape, Scientia Advisors Finds

Players in All Segments Face Challenges and Opportunities in Light of
Technological, Regulatory and Competitive Changes
BOSTON & SAN FRANCISCO–(Business Wire)–
“With the market for biologic* drugs growing much faster than that of drugs
based on chemical compounds, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, generic drug and
contract manufacturing companies are repositioning and forming new alliances in
order to succeed in a rapidly changing landscape.”

So said Harry Glorikian, managing partner of Scientia Advisors, a global
management consulting firm, based on a review of the biopharmaceutical market
released today.

In the review, Scientia reports that revenue growth for the small molecule drug
segment has slowed and will begin to decline within three years as numerous
blockbuster drugs go off patent and are replaced by less expensive generic
substitutes.

In contrast, the market for biologics, which comprises approximately one-third
of the overall pharmaceutical market, increased at a 21% compound annual growth
rate (CAGR) between 2003 and 2008, to $110B. While the CAGR for biologics has
since slowed to 8%, Scientia projects 2013 revenues of $165B, due largely to
rapid growth in monoclonal antibodies. Scientia also projects growth
opportunities in the vaccine and cell therapy segments.

Many biologics command relatively high prices and require complex and expensive
manufacturing processes. To keep costs down, biopharmaceutical companies are
increasingly seeking to outsource their manufacturing to contract manufacturing
organizations (CMOs).

In addition, “numerous biologic therapies with total revenues of $37B will have
lost patent protection by 2017, promising considerable opportunity in
biosimilars (government-approved new versions of branded biopharmaceutical
products following patent expiration),” Glorikian said. “As a result,
pharmaceutical, generic drug, and contract manufacturing companies are joining
forces to enter the biosimilars space. To be successful, they must take into
account the considerable technical, competitive, and regulatory hurdles that
will be involved.”

Scientia Advisors` review, entitled “Assessing the Biopharmaceutical Market:
Promises and Challenges,” is available for download at no charge from
www.scientiaadv.com.

*Biologics are therapeutics based on material from living organisms, as opposed
to small molecule drugs, which are based on chemical compounds.

Scientia Advisors, based in Boston and San Francisco, is a global management
consulting firm specializing in growth strategies for major and emerging
companies in health care, life sciences, biotechnology and nutrition.

Harris Communications Group
Anita M. Harris, 617-576-0906
anita.m.harris@harriscom.com
or
Scientia Advisors
Anne-Sophie Dankens
adankens@scientiaadv.com

Copyright Business Wire 2010

Research and Markets: Nigeria Telecom Sector Analysis

DUBLIN–(Business Wire)–
Research and Markets
(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/a25d73/nigeria_telecom_se) has
announced the addition of the “Nigeria Telecom Sector Analysis” report to their
offering.

The Nigerian government has realized the importance of ICT as a viable platform
to transform the country’s economy into knowledge-based economy. The telecom
sector is presently undergoing speedy transformation on account of explosive
growth and rapid infrastructure development. The liberalization of the telecom
sector along with increased competition among players have brought substantial
benefits to consumers in terms of lower subscription rates and enhanced choice.

Nigeria Telecom Sector Analysis provides in-depth research and extensive
analysis on the Nigerian telecom market. The research provides a deep insight
into the trends currently dominating the telecom market in the country and
substantiates the data with relevant statistics. The report provides industry
forecast on various telecom segments based on feasible telecom industry
environment in Nigeria including fixed-line subscribers and penetration, mobile
subscribers and penetration, Internet users, and broadband subscribers and
penetration. The report also provides thorough analysis on the current and
future outlook of various emerging technologies, such as 3G and WiMAX.

This research identifies that allowance of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) in
future along with issuance of 3G licenses (2006) will also play an important
role in driving the future growth of the country’s telecom sector. According to
the research, the mobile market of the country has tremendous growth potential
given the fact that penetration rate was just around 50% at the end of 2009.
With rapidly improving mobile infrastructure and intense competition among
mobile operators, the number of mobile subscribers will grow at a CAGR of over
14% between 2010 and 2013, with the penetration rate exceeding 75% by the end of
2013.

The research also finds that competition among various telecom operators is
increasing as they are now looking for new business expansion and customer
retention strategies to sustain and gain higher chunk of the market. As a
result, operators are aggressively pushing the deployment of network
infrastructure which is driving the investments in the countrys telecom sector
that is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 11% between 2009 and 2013.

Besides, forces that are fuelling the growth of the Nigerian telecom sector have
been discussed elaborately. The report gives an overview of the competitive
landscape, in which leading industry players have been covered along with their
marketing strategies.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Analyst View

2. Research Methodology

3. Nigeria Telecom Market – An Overview

4. Market Attractions 5. Industry Performance & Future Outlook to 2013 6.
Potential Growth Areas

7. Government Initiatives

8. Growth Inhibitors

9. Telecom Regulatory Framework

10. Competitive Landscape

Companies Mentioned:

* MTN Nigeria
* Globacom Limited
* Celtel Nigeria Limited
* Visafone Limited
* Starcomms Limited

For more information visit

http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/a25d73/nigeria_telecom_se

Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager
press@researchandmarkets.com
U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907
Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Copyright Business Wire 2010

Research and Markets: Booming Biotech Market in India

DUBLIN–(Business Wire)–
Research and Markets
(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/5de54d/booming_biotech_ma) has
announced the addition of the “Booming Biotech Market in India” report to their
offering.

Thanks to a large pool of scientific talent, world-class information technology
industry, and vibrant pharmaceutical sector, the Indian biotech industry has
stupendously grown over the past few years. During FY 2005-FY 2009, the industry
witnessed an impressive CAGR of around 26.5% and generated total revenue of INR
121.4 Billion (US$ 2.4 Billion) in FY 2009. Moreover, the industry has been able
to survive successfully amid the global financial turmoil. Government
initiatives, like set up of more biotech parks and encouragement to
public-private-partnerships, provided cushion to the biotech industry against
tough economic conditions of recession.

According to this new research report Booming Biotech Market in India, the
year-on-year growth of the biotech market is expected to accelerate in near
future on the back of high demand for vaccines, CROs, biopesticides,
biofertilizers, biodiesel and biotherapeutics in India as well as at the global
level. In this regard, the publisher has done an extensive research and analysis
of the biotech market together with its segments.

The research has found that the biopharma segment constitutes a major part of
the total biotech market. It has experienced consistent rise in revenue and the
trend is likely to continue in future as well. Talking about future outlook of
the overall biotech market, it will remain buoyant despite the recent economic
downturn. The baseline for optimistic future projection of the market is pouring
of investments to promote research and support entrepreneurship in the emerging
segments. Besides, cutting edge research in globally emerging segments (such as
contract bio-manufacturing services, clinical development services, etc) and
developing in-house capability to manufacture innovative biopharma products will
also pave the way for the Indian biotech market over the forecast period (FY
2011- FY 2013).

This report provides comprehensive information, rational analysis and reliable
statistics of the biotech market in India. The report has thoroughly examined
current market trends, industrial developments and competitive landscape to
enable clients understand the market structure and its progress in coming years.
Due consideration has been given to the possible aftereffects of recession on
the industry while making the report.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Analyst View
2. What Makes India Biotech Capable?
3. Indian Biotechnology Industry
4. Biotech Funding
5. Indian Bioclusters
6. Government Initiatives
7. Emerging Sectors
8. Regulatory Environment: Impact & RNCOS Recommendations
9. Key Players Analysis

Companies Mentioned:

* Serum Institute of India
* Novo Nordisk
* Novozymes South Asia
* Biocon
* Panacea Biotech

For more information visit

http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/5de54d/booming_biotech_ma.

Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager,
press@researchandmarkets.com
U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907
Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Copyright Business Wire 2010

Research and Markets: An Essential Report on the Booming US Generic Drug Market

DUBLIN–(Business Wire)–
Research and Markets
(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/dbae84/booming_us_generic) has
announced the addition of the “Booming US Generic Drug Market” report to their
offering.

The US represents one of the world’s largest economies. The country’s per capita
income and spending are rated among the highest in the world. On the back of
rapidly growing consumer spending on branded products, total healthcare spending
of the US reached up to an estimated value of around US$ 2.5 Trillion in 2009,
which appears very high when compared to the population. The government is now
emphasizing to minimize the healthcare spending by using generics drugs and
promoting other low cost healthcare. This has created huge opportunities in the
country’s generics industry.

The US generics market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of around 8.8% during
2010-2013, says our recent research report Booming US Generic Drug Market.
Currently, the market growth is largely fuelled by the emergence of new products
as patents of branded drugs are getting expired, and the trend is likely to
continue over the next 3-4 years also. Anticipating the future growth, big
pharma players are making deals with some generics manufactures from the Asian
countries, like India, to access their products and market them in the US. This
trend will emerge more strongly during our forecast period, providing
opportunities to the local players to widen their product portfolios.

Although several challenges, such as price erosion and litigations from branded
manufacturers, may hamper the growth, the overall growth prospects of the market
remain good. In this regard, our report provides rational analysis of various
factors which will drive the generics market in the US over the forecast period.

The report also provides extensive information on the country’s generics market,
besides discussing the emerging trends like contract manufacturing and
biogenerics. Thus, it provides valuable information to pharmaceutical & generics
companies and investors looking to enter this market. Facts and figures
regarding market size, growth, share, regulatory environment and trends in
technology development have been thoroughly analyzed in the report to provide
clients a comprehensive overview of the market.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Analyst View

2. Research Methodology

3. Macroeconomic Environment

4. Market Overview

5. Market Drivers

6. Industry Performance and Forecast to 2013

7. Market Potential of Generics Drugs in Key Therapies Segments

8. Regulatory Environment

9. Emerging Market Trends

10. Industry Restraints

11. Key Players

Companies Mentioned:

* Teva Pharmaceuticals
* Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
* Mylan Laboratories Inc.
* Pfizer Inc.
* Sandoz Inc. (Novartis)

For more information visit

http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/dbae84/booming_us_generic

Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager
press@researchandmarkets.com
U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907
Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Copyright Business Wire 2010

ECB Noyer-not worried by French bank risk in Greece

PARIS, April 9 (Reuters) – European Central Bank council member Christian Noyer said on Friday he had “no particular worries” about the exposure of French banks to the economic problems of Greece, but added that banking authorities were keeping a close watch on the situation.

Financials

European stock markets fell on Thursday due to persistent concerns over Greece’s fiscal deficit, and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has highlighted French banks as having one of the largest exposures to Greece. [ID:nLDE61A1VT]

However, Noyer said the exposure of French banks to Greece was a “normal economic exposure.”

He said the overall level was affected by the fact that French banks had significant exposure to Greek clients through their local branches and that otherwise, their holdings of Greek assets were not abnormally large.

“French banks’ holding of Greek sovereign debt is relatively small,” Noyer, who is also governor of the Bank of France, told reporters at a news conference.

France’s biggest retail bank Credit Agricole (CAGR.PA) owns Greek bank Emporiki (CBGr.AT), while Societe Generale (SOGN.PA) controls Greek lender Geniki (GHBr.AT). (Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta and James Mackenzie)

Credit Agricole nears Intesa branch deal -paper

PARIS, April 2 (Reuters) – Credit Agricole (CAGR.PA) could conclude talks to buy 150-200 branches from Italian bank Intesa Sanpaolo (ISP.MI) this month following a deal with Italy’s antitrust authorities, La Tribune newspaper said on its website.

Financials

The purchase was first announced in February, and the paper said on Friday that Credit Agricole was now in advanced negotiations to purchase 85 branches of Intesa unit Cassa di Risparmio della Spezia, in Liguria in northwest Italy.

In addition, the French bank will buy a further 80-100 branches chosen for their proximity to the others to help Credit Agricole strengthen its position in the richer northern part of Italy, the newspaper said.

A final decision should be taken shortly before Intesa’s annual meeting on April 30, La Tribune said.

Credit Agricole declined to comment on Friday.

Under the terms of the February deal, the French bank said it had agreed with Italian regulators to take control over an additional 150-200 Intesa branches, bringing its total to around 900 branches in Italy. [ID:nLDE61H2MA] Under the February agreement, designed to help Intesa avoid paying a hefty antitrust fine, the Italian authorities said Credit Agricole was required to reduce its shareholding in Intesa to 2 percent by the end of 2011 from 5.8 percent.

Italy’s antitrust body was worried that the presence of Credit Agricole in Intesa Sanpaolo would distort competition in the country’s banking sector, given that the French bank already controlled Italian regional bank Cariparma. (Reporting by James Regan and Julien Ponthus; editing by Simon Jessop)

Global brands join hands with nutritional supplements shopping portal MyNutraMart.com

Bangalore, July 7 (ANI/Business Wire India): Pragya International, a Bangalore-based company, has launched online shopping portal MyNutraMart.com to cater to the growing wellness nutrition market.

The Indian wellness services market is expected to remain buoyant and has the potential to sustain a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 30-35 per cent for the next five years, says a latest study by FICCI and professional services firm, Ernst and Young. T

he wellness services market is currently estimated at Rs 11,000 crore in India.

The FICCI-EY report, titled Wellness- Exploring the untapped potential, highlights that the growth is expected on the back of favorable market demographics, consumerism, globalization, changing lifestyles, increasing availability across categories and regions and rising awareness among people.

Global brands like Joint Expert, Mega-Pro, Zenith Nutritions, Joint’s Coach and Alpha Omega, have joined hands with MyNutraMart.com to sell their brands online.

Pawan of Vista Nutrition’s said: “In US more than 60 per cent of dietary supplements and wellness products are sold online. In India, online shopping is at nascent stage as internet penetration stands at paltry 9 per cent. But still being able to sell online gives us instant advantage to cater to wider market and save on branding expenses”.

MyNutraMart.com is expected to tie-up with more than 300 brands and offer 5000 products to cater to the growing Nutritional supplements market worldwide and in particular India.

The portal offers products for cholesterol management, blood pressure management, skincare, brain and memory, depression, vision and eye. Well known supplements like Grape Seed extract, colostrum, policosanol, glucosamine, spirulina and major vitamins have been included on the portal.

“While the Bodybuilding supplements market in Southeast Asia is well developed, at the same time uninformed and fraudulent selling is on the rise. By joining hands with MyNutraMart.com, we have ensured that the customers will get the option to make informed purchase and avail some discount as well,” said Arvind M Madhok of Bodycare Nutritions India, exclusive distributor for South Asia for US based company MEGA-PRO International, deals in sports nutrition. (ANI)

Agricole, Caisse d’Epargne in Livret A legal spat

PARIS, April 12 (Reuters) – French bank Credit Agricole (CAGR.PA) said on Sunday it had begun legal action against rival Caisse d’Epargne over the popular tax-free Livret A savings product.

In a statement, Agricole said its lawsuit centred on methods used by Caisse d’Epargne to prevent its customers from switching their Livret A accounts to other banks such as Agricole.

Officials at Caisse d’Epargne, which is merging with Banque Populaire, could not be immediately reached for comment.

The Livret A was previously sold only at branches of the French Post Office and the Caisse d’Epargne but the product has been made available to all banks since the start of the year.

Some 46 million French people hold a Livret A account, which has seen a surge in demand as the financial crisis has caused savers to seek products which guarantee them a positive return.

The Livret A is normally calculated according to a mechanical formula linked to inflation and last week it was set at an all-time low of 1.75 percent. (Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta; editing by Mike Nesbit)