Raiffeisen eyes acquisitions in Poland-magazine

July 25 (Reuters) – Raiffeisen International (RIBH.VI) is eyeing Poland as a place for potential acquisitions, Chief Executive Herbert Stepic told Germany weekly magazine Wirtschaftswoche.

Raiffeisen only expands into markets where it can gain significant market share and strengthen its positioning, Stepic told the magazine.

“Poland is without a doubt a market where this is the case,” Stepic was quoted as saying in an advance copy of the magazine’s Monday edition. (Reporting by Edward Taylor; editing by Karen Foster)

Drugmaker Actavis agrees debt refinancing deal

July 22 (Reuters) – Icelandic generic drugmaker Actavis has agreed a debt refinancing deal with its lenders to slash its multi-billion-euro debt load, the company said.

The group did not give details in a brief statement but said the agreement positioned it with the flexibility to continue to grow, especially in southern Europe, Japan, the Middle East and northern Africa, and increase market share in current markets.

Sources familiar with the matter had told Reuters earlier this month that key lender Deutsche Bank (DBKGn.DE) was close to a deal with Bjorgolfur Thor Bjorgolfsson, the Icelandic tycoon who owns Actavis, to refinance the company. [ID:nLDE6661A3]

Deutsche financed Bjorgolfsson’s 4.7 billion euro ($6 billion) leveraged buyout (LBO) of Actavis, one of the world’s biggest makers of copycat drugs, in 2007. ($1=.7836 Euro) (Reporting by Ben Hirschler; Editing by Hans Peters)

Elan Reports Second Quarter and First Half 2010 Financial Results

DUBLIN–(Business Wire)–
Elan Corporation, plc today reported its second quarter and first half 2010
financial results.

Elan CEO Kelly Martin commented, “Our second quarter results demonstrate
continued progress across our major areas of focus. Tysabri growth increased in
terms of net patient additions; our BioNeurology pipeline advanced, including
completion of the ELND005 Phase 2 trial and full enrollment of the STRATIFY 1
trial studying the JC virus assay; we also saw recently launched EDT licensed
products continue to grow in terms of revenue and market share for our
licensees.”

Commenting on the results, Elan executive vice president and chief financial
officer, Shane Cooke said that the Company was very pleased with the operating
performance in the first half of the year. Revenues grew by 10% which, coupled
with a decrease of 14% in operating expenses, resulted in a six-fold increase in
Adjusted EBITDA to $82.4 million. Revenue growth continued to be driven by a 22%
increase in revenues from Tysabri as well as the launch of Ampyra earlier in the
year. Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was impacted by reduced revenues
from a number of older legacy products, but this was more than offset by the
growth in Tysabri and a 14% reduction in operating expenses. Mr. Cooke confirmed
that for the full-year 2010, Elan remains on target to record revenue growth,
Adjusted EBITDA of more than $150 million and operating profits before other
charges or gains. He noted also that the Company generated almost $50 million in
cash from operations in the first half of the year, including $23.7 million
generated in the second quarter, and was on track to be cash flow positive
before other charges for the full-year. Mr. Cooke added that the $215.1 million
net loss for the first half of the year included a $206.3 million settlement
reserve charge in relation to the previously announced agreement in principle
with the U.S. Attorney`s Office in relation to Zonegran.

Unaudited Consolidated U.S. GAAP Income Statement Data

Three Months Ended June 30 Six Months Ended June 30
2009 2010 2009 2010
US$m US$m US$m US$m
Revenue (see page 9)
270.6 264.5 Product revenue 513.5 570.3
10.3 4.4 Contract revenue 12.5 9.1
280.9 268.9 Total revenue 526.0 579.4
139.4 141.6 Cost of goods sold 268.2 287.1
141.5 127.3 Gross margin 257.8 292.3

Operating Expenses (see page 14)
69.1 63.8 Selling, general and administrative 140.1 127.8
80.9 65.5 Research and development 161.4 130.3
– 206.3 Settlement reserve charge (see page 16) – 206.3
8.0 1.6 Other net charges (see page 16) 27.6 5.1
158.0 337.2 Total operating expenses 329.1 469.5
(16.5 ) (209.9 ) Operating loss (71.3 ) (177.2 )

Net Interest and Investment Gains and Losses
35.8 26.4 Net interest expense 69.6 54.6
– (8.4 ) Net investment gains – (13.9 )
35.8 18.0 Net interest and investment gains 69.6 40.7

(52.3 ) (227.9 ) Net loss before tax (140.9 ) (217.9 )
15.9 (14.8 ) Provision for/(benefit from) income taxes 29.9 (2.8 )
(68.2 ) (213.1 ) Net loss (170.8 ) (215.1 )

(0.14 ) (0.36 ) Basic and diluted net loss per ordinary share (0.36 ) (0.37 )
475.9 584.8 Basic and diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding (in millions) 475.7 584.6

Unaudited Non-GAAP Financial Information – EBITDA

Three Months Ended Non-GAAP Financial Information Six Months Ended
June 30 Reconciliation Schedule June 30
2009 2010 2009 2010
US$m US$m US$m US$m

(68.2 ) (213.1 ) Net loss (170.8 ) (215.1 )
35.8 26.4 Net interest expense 69.6 54.6
15.9 (14.8 ) Provision for/(benefit from) income taxes 29.9 (2.8 )
19.1 15.7 Depreciation and amortization 38.2 31.5
(0.3 ) (0.3 ) Amortized fees (0.4 ) (0.4 )
2.3 (186.1 ) EBITDA (33.5 ) (132.2 )

Three Months Ended Non-GAAP Financial Information Six Months Ended
June 30 Reconciliation Schedule June 30
2009 2010 2009 2010
US$m US$m US$m US$m
2.3 (186.1 ) EBITDA (33.5 ) (132.2 )
8.8 7.6 Share-based compensation 19.0 17.1
– 206.3 Settlement reserve charge – 206.3
8.0 1.6 Other net charges 27.6 5.1
– (8.4 ) Net investment gains – (13.9 )
19.1 21.0 Adjusted EBITDA 13.1 82.4

To supplement its consolidated financial statements presented on a U.S. GAAP
basis, Elan provides readers with EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes,
Depreciation and Amortization) and Adjusted EBITDA, non-GAAP measures of
operating results. EBITDA is defined as net loss plus or minus depreciation and
amortization of costs and revenues, provisions for income tax, tax benefit and
net interest expense. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA plus or minus
share-based compensation, settlement reserve charge, other net charges, and net
investment gains. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not presented as, and should
not be considered alternative measures of, operating results or cash flows from
operations, as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Elan`s management uses
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate the operating performance of Elan and its
business and these measures are among the factors considered as a basis for
Elan`s planning and forecasting for future periods. Elan believes EBITDA and
Adjusted EBITDA are measures of performance used by some investors, equity
analysts and others to make informed investment decisions. EBITDA and Adjusted
EBITDA are used as analytical indicators of income generated to service debt and
to fund capital expenditures. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not give effect to
cash used for interest payments related to debt service requirements and do not
reflect funds available for investment in the business of Elan or for other
discretionary purposes. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, as defined by Elan and
presented in this press release, may not be comparable to similarly titled
measures reported by other companies. Reconciliations of EBITDA and Adjusted
EBITDA to net loss from continuing operations are set out in the tables above
titled, “Non-GAAP Financial Information Reconciliation Schedule.”

Unaudited Consolidated U.S. GAAP Balance Sheet Data

December 31 June 30

2009
2010

US$m
US$m
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents 836.5(1) 883.2 (1)(2)
Restricted cash and cash equivalents – current 16.8 13.6
Investment securities – current 7.1 2.6
Deferred tax assets – current 23.9 32.5
Other current assets 274.9 239.0
Total current assets 1,159.2 1,170.9

Non-Current Assets
Intangible assets, net 417.4 389.7
Property, plant and equipment, net 292.8 297.9
Equity method investment 235.0 235.0
Investment securities – non-current 8.7 9.1
Deferred tax assets – non-current 174.8 166.7
Restricted cash and cash equivalents – non-current 14.9 14.9
Other assets 42.9 50.6
Total Assets 2,345.7 2,334.8

Liabilities and Shareholders` Equity
Accounts payable, accrued and other liabilities 311.5 304.4
Settlement reserve – 206.3
Long-term debt 1,540.0 1,540.0
Shareholders` equity (see page 17) 494.2 284.1
Total Liabilities and Shareholders` Equity 2,345.7 2,334.8

(1) Under the terms of our debt covenants, we are required to either reinvest $235.0 million of the proceeds received from the September 17, 2009 transaction with Johnson & Johnson within twelve months of that date, or if not reinvested, make a pro-rata offer to repurchase a portion of our debt at par. As of June 30, 2010, $192.0 million of the $235.0 million proceeds has not been reinvested.

(2) As of July 16, 2010, $203.5 million of cash has been placed in an escrow account in relation to the Zonegran settlement.

Unaudited Consolidated U.S. GAAP Cash Flow Data
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30 June 30
2009 2010 2009 2010
US$m US$m US$m US$m

19.1 21.0 Adjusted EBITDA 13.1 82.4
(39.0 ) (17.6 ) Net interest and tax (75.6 ) (52.2 )
– (206.3 ) Settlement reserve charge – (206.3 )
(8.0 ) (3.3 ) Other net charges (9.7 ) (5.3 )
(45.1 ) 229.9 Working capital decrease/(increase) (27.1 ) 227.5
(73.0 ) 23.7 Cash flows from operating activities (99.3 ) 46.1

(7.9 ) (14.9 ) Net purchases of tangible and intangible assets (76.7 ) (23.8 )
2.7 9.3 Net proceeds from sale of investments 10.3 16.0
3.0 (5.8 ) Cash flows from financing activities 5.2 0.5
– 4.7 Net proceeds on disposal of Prialt business – 4.7
3.4 3.2 Restricted cash and cash equivalents movement 3.6 3.2
(71.8 ) 20.2 Net cash movement (156.9 ) 46.7
290.2 863.0 Beginning cash balance 375.3 836.5
218.4 883.2 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 218.4 883.2

Overview

Operating Results

First Half of 2010

Total revenue for the first half of 2010 increased by 10% to $579.4 million from
$526.0 million for the same period in 2009. The increase in revenue was driven
by the growth of Tysabri®, which more than offsets the expected decline in
revenues from Azactam®. Elan ceased distributing Azactam as of March 31, 2010
and will not earn any future revenues from this product. Elan`s recorded sales
of Tysabri increased 22% to $406.2 million for the first half of 2010 from
$332.4 million for the first half of 2009. This increase in revenues is
consistent with the 22% growth in global in-market net sales of Tysabri to
$589.4 million in the first half of 2010 from $481.3 million in the first half
of 2009 and the 22% increase in patients on therapy worldwide to approximately
52,700 patients at the end of June 2010 from approximately 43,300 at the end of
June 2009.

For the first half of 2010, Adjusted EBITDA increased six-fold to $82.4 million
from $13.1 million for the same period in 2009. The increase principally
reflects the 10% increase in revenue, improved operating margins and a 14%
reduction in combined selling, general and administrative (SG&A) and research
and development (R&D) expenses.

In assessing the first half performance, it is important to note that these
results were achieved against a background where we have, as expected, seen
reduced revenues from a number of products including Azactam and Prialt® in the
BioNeurology business and Skelaxin® and Tricor® in the Elan Drug Technologies
(EDT) business, as well as an increased investment in development activities
related particularly to Tysabri, ELND005 and the EDT business. The loss of
contribution from this decrease in revenue and the increased investment in our
growth drivers was more than compensated for by the continued growth of Tysabri,
the launch of AmpyraTM, reduced SG&A costs and the transfer of the Alzheimer`s
Immunotherapy Program (AIP) to Janssen Alzheimer Immunotherapy (Janssen AI).
This transition was particularly pronounced in the second quarter of 2010 with
revenues from these products $34.1 million lower than the same period last year.
Despite the loss of approximately $25 million in Adjusted EBITDA associated with
these revenues, and with very little revenue included this quarter related to
Ampyra, we reported 4% lower total revenues and increased Adjusted EBITDA in the
second quarter of 2010 due to increased revenue from Tysabri and good cost
control.

Cash flows generated from operating activities were $46.1 million in the first
half of 2010, compared to cash used by operating activities of $99.3 million in
the first half of 2009. This improvement was due to the improved operating
performance and a reduction in working capital requirements.

The net loss of $215.1 million for the first half of 2010 includes a settlement
reserve charge of $206.3 million in respect of an agreement in principle reached
with the U.S. Attorney`s Office for the District of Massachusetts with respect
to the previously disclosed U.S. Department of Justice`s investigation of sales
and marketing practices for Zonegran® (zonisamide), which Elan divested in 2004.

For the first half of 2010, net loss before tax, excluding the settlement
reserve charge and other net charges was $6.5 million, compared to a net loss
before tax and excluding other net charges of $113.3 million for the same period
of 2009. This improvement was due to the improved operating performance, lower
net interest expense, and net investment gains in the first half of 2010.

Quarter 2, 2010

Total revenue for the second quarter of 2010 decreased by 4% to $268.9 million
from $280.9 million for the same period in 2009. Revenue from the BioNeurology
business grew by 5% while revenue from the EDT business decreased by 29%. The
increase in revenues from the BioNeurology business was driven by Tysabri, which
more than offset the expected reduced revenues from Azactam and Prialt. Elan`s
recorded sales of Tysabri increased 19% to $207.4 million for the second quarter
of 2010, from $173.7 million for the second quarter of 2009, consistent with the
17% growth in global in-market net sales of Tysabri to $297.5 million in the
second quarter of 2010 from $253.8 million in the second quarter of 2009. The
solid patient demand for Tysabri is also reflected in the growth of net patient
additions with 2,400 added during the second quarter of 2010, compared to 1,900
added during the first quarter of 2010.

As expected, revenue from the EDT business declined by 4% in the first half of
2010 due principally to lower revenues from Tricor and Skelaxin, which were
offset by revenues associated with the launch of Ampyra. The decrease in the
second quarter of 2010 as compared to the second quarter of 2009 was more
pronounced than the half-year decrease primarily due to the timing of Ampyra
revenues, which are recorded based on when the product is shipped to Acorda
Therapeutics, Inc. (Acorda). Consequently, of the $20.8 million in revenues from
Ampyra that were recorded in the first half of 2010, only $1.9 million were
recorded in the second quarter due to the timing of shipments.

For the second quarter of 2010, the gross margin decreased 10% to $127.3 million
from $141.5 million for the second quarter of 2009, reflecting the revenue
decrease and changes in product mix described above.

Operating loss before the settlement reserve charge and other net charges for
the second quarter of 2010 was $2.0 million, compared to an operating loss
before other net charges of $8.5 million for the same period of 2009. This
improved operating performance was driven by a 14% decrease in combined SG&A and
R&D expenses compared to the second quarter of 2009, offset by reduced revenues
as described above. SG&A expenses declined by 8% compared to the same period in
2009, while R&D costs decreased by 19%. The decrease in R&D costs is primarily
due to the cost savings as a result of the divestment of the AIP to a subsidiary
of Johnson & Johnson (Janssen AI) in September 2009. Under the terms of the
September 2009 transaction with Johnson & Johnson, Elan received a 49.9%
ownership interest in Janssen AI. R&D costs in the second quarter of 2009
included $29.1 million in relation to AIP.

The BioNeurology business recorded an operating loss, before the settlement
reserve charge and other net charges, of $5.0 million in the second quarter of
2010. This represents a $31.6 million improvement over the $36.6 million
operating loss before other net charges recorded by the BioNeurology business in
the second quarter of 2009, and reflects the continued growth in Tysabri
revenues offsetting the expected reduced revenues from Azactam and Prialt, in
addition to an 18% reduction in combined SG&A and R&D expenses. In the EDT
business, the operating income before other net charges decreased to $3.0
million in the second quarter of 2010 compared to $28.1 million in the same
period in 2009, due principally to the decrease in revenues from Tricor and
Skelaxin.

For the second quarter of 2010, net loss before tax, excluding the settlement
reserve charge and other net charges was $20.0 million, compared to a net loss
before tax and excluding other net charges of $44.3 million for the same period
of 2009. This improvement was primarily due to the decrease in combined SG&A and
R&D expenses, lower net interest expense, and net investment gains in the second
quarter of 2010, offset by reduced revenues as described above.

For the second quarter of 2010, Elan reported Adjusted EBITDA of $21.0 million,
compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $19.1 million in the same period of 2009. The
improvement principally reflects improved operating margins and an 18% reduction
in operating expenses in the BioNeurology business, offset by the decrease in
revenues from the EDT business.

A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net loss, is presented in the table
titled, “Unaudited Non-GAAP Financial Information – EBITDA,” included on page 3.
Included at Appendices I and II are further analyses of the results and Adjusted
EBITDA between the BioNeurology and EDT businesses.

Exploration of EDT separation

Elan continues to explore the possibility of a separation of its EDT business.
The Company’s review includes a detailed assessment of the possible separation,
including timing, market conditions and the impact on all of its key
constituencies. The Company expects to make a decision whether to proceed over
the next several months. No specific timetable has been set for completion of
the review and there can be no assurances that such a transaction will take
place.

Total Revenue

For the first half of 2010, total revenue increased by 10% to $579.4 million
from $526.0 million for the same period of 2009. Revenue from the BioNeurology
business increased by 15% while revenue from the EDT business decreased by 4%
for the half-year. For the second quarter of 2010, total revenue decreased by 4%
to $268.9 million from $280.9 million for the same period of 2009. Revenue from
the BioNeurology business increased by 5% while revenue from the EDT business
decreased by 29% for the quarter. Revenue is analyzed below between revenue from
the BioNeurology and EDT business units.

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30 June 30
2009 2010 2009 2010
US$m US$m US$m US$m
202.0 212.9 Revenue from the BioNeurology business 387.4 447.0
78.9 56.0 Revenue from the EDT business 138.6 132.4
280.9 268.9 Total revenue 526.0 579.4

Revenue from the BioNeurology business

For the second quarter of 2010, revenue from the BioNeurology business increased
by 5% to $212.9 million from $202.0 million for the second quarter of 2009. The
increase was primarily driven by the growth in Tysabri sales, more than
offsetting the expected lower revenues from other BioNeurology products.

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30 June 30
2009 2010 2009 2010
US$m US$m US$m US$m
Product revenue
124.4 144.9 Tysabri – U.S. 240.4 280.1
49.3 62.5 Tysabri – Rest of world (ROW) 92.0 126.1
173.7 207.4 Total Tysabri 332.4 406.2
20.5 1.9 Azactam 37.7 27.4
4.6 1.6 Prialt 8.7 6.2
2.6 1.6 Maxipime® 7.6 5.4
0.6 0.4 Royalties 1.0 0.8
202.0 212.9 Total product revenue from BioNeurology business 387.4 446.0
– – Contract revenue – 1.0
202.0 212.9 Total revenue from BioNeurology business 387.4 447.0

Tysabri

Global in-market net sales of Tysabri can be analyzed as follows:

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30 June 30
2009 2010 2009 2010
US$m US$m US$m US$m
124.4 144.9 United States 240.4 280.1
129.4 152.6 ROW 240.9 309.3
253.8 297.5 Total Tysabri in-market net sales 481.3 589.4

For the second quarter of 2010, Tysabri in-market net sales increased by 17% to
$297.5 million from $253.8 million for the same period of 2009. The increase
reflects solid patient demand across global markets. At the end of June 2010,
approximately 52,700 patients were on therapy worldwide, including approximately
26,200 commercial patients in the United States and approximately 26,000
commercial patients in the ROW, representing a 22% increase over the
approximately 43,300 patients who were on the therapy at the end of June 2009.
The second quarter of 2010 saw an increase in net patient additions to 2,400 for
this quarter, compared to 1,900 in the first quarter of 2010.

Tysabri was developed and is being marketed in collaboration with Biogen Idec,
Inc. (Biogen Idec). In general, subject to certain limitations imposed by the
parties, Elan shares with Biogen Idec most of the development and
commercialization costs for Tysabri. Biogen Idec is responsible for
manufacturing the product. In the United States, Elan purchases Tysabri from
Biogen Idec and is responsible for distribution. Consequently, Elan records as
revenue the net sales of Tysabri in the U.S. market. Elan purchases product from
Biogen Idec at a price that includes the cost of manufacturing, plus Biogen
Idec`s gross margin on Tysabri, and this cost, together with royalties payable
to other third parties, is included in cost of sales.

Outside of the United States, Biogen Idec is responsible for distribution and
Elan records as revenue its share of the profit or loss on these sales of
Tysabri, plus Elan`s directly-incurred expenses on these sales.

Tysabri – U.S.

In the U.S. market, Elan recorded net sales of $144.9 million for the second
quarter of 2010, an increase of 16% over net sales of $124.4 million in the same
period of 2009. Almost all of these sales are for the multiple sclerosis (MS)
indication.

At the end of June 2010, approximately 26,200 patients were on commercial
therapy, which represents an increase of 4% over the approximately 25,200 who
were on therapy at the end of March 2010 and 19% over the approximately 22,000
patients who were on therapy at the end of June last year.

Tysabri – ROW

In the ROW market, Biogen Idec is responsible for distribution and Elan records
as revenue its share of the profit or loss on ROW sales of Tysabri, plus Elan`s
directly-incurred expenses on these sales. As a result, in the ROW market, Elan
recorded net revenue of $62.5 million for the second quarter of 2010, compared
to $49.3 million for the second quarter of 2009, an increase of 27%. Elan`s net
Tysabri ROW revenue is calculated as follows:

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30 June 30
2009 2010 2009 2010
US$m US$m US$m US$m
129.4 152.6 ROW in-market sales by Biogen Idec 240.9 309.3
(69.7) (70.3) ROW operating expenses incurred by the collaboration (128.6) (144.4)
59.7 82.3 ROW operating profit incurred by the collaboration 112.3 164.9
29.8 41.2 Elan`s 50% share of Tysabri ROW collaboration operating profit 56.1 82.5
19.5 21.3 Elan`s directly incurred costs 35.9 43.6
49.3 62.5 Net Tysabri ROW revenue 92.0 126.1

Tysabri ROW in-market sales for the second quarter of 2010 were $152.6 million
as compared to $129.4 million for the second quarter of 2009, an increase of
18%. As Tysabri ROW in-market sales are principally earned in the European
Union, second quarter in-market sales were negatively impacted by the
depreciation of the euro against the dollar. On a constant currency basis,
Tysabri ROW in-market sales for the second quarter of 2010 increased by $29.6
million, or 24%, compared to the second quarter of 2009.

At the end of June 2010, approximately 26,000 patients, principally in the
European Union, were on commercial therapy, an increase of 6% over the
approximately 24,600 (revised) who were on therapy at the end of March 2010 and
26% over the approximately 20,700 patients who were on therapy at the end of
June last year.

Other BioNeurology products

As expected, Azactam revenue decreased 91% to $1.9 million for the second
quarter of 2010, compared to $20.5 million for the same period of 2009. Elan
ceased distributing Azactam as of March 31, 2010 and will not earn any future
revenues from this product. The $1.9 million of revenue in the second quarter of
2010 relates to the timing of delivery of shipments in late March 2010.

On March 4, 2010, Elan entered into a definitive agreement to divest its Prialt
assets and rights to Azur Pharma International Limited and this transaction
subsequently closed on May 5, 2010. As a result, Prialt revenue decreased 65% to
$1.6 million for the second quarter of 2010, compared to $4.6 million for the
same period of 2009.

Revenue from the EDT business

For the first half of 2010, revenue from the EDT business decreased by 4% to
$132.4 million from $138.6 million for the same period of 2009. For the second
quarter of 2010, revenue from the EDT business decreased by 29% to $56.0 million
from $78.9 million for the second quarter of 2009.

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30 June 30
2009 2010 2009 2010
US$m US$m US$m US$m
Product revenue
Manufacturing revenue and royalties
16.4 13.8 Tricor 30.0 25.0
– 1.9 Ampyra – 20.8
9.2 7.8 Focalin® XR / RitalinLA® 17.6 16.6
4.9 5.0 Verelan® 10.8 11.9
3.9 2.9 Naprelan® 5.9 7.8
10.3 0.4 Skelaxin 15.6 5.2
23.9 19.8 Other 46.2 37.0
68.6 51.6 Total manufacturing revenue and royalties 126.1 124.3

Contract revenue
10.3 4.4 Research revenue and milestones 12.5 8.1

78.9 56.0 Total revenue from the EDT business 138.6 132.4

Manufacturing revenue and royalties comprise revenue earned from products
manufactured for clients and royalties earned principally on sales by clients of
products that incorporate Elan`s technologies. Except as noted above, no other
product accounted for more than 10% of total manufacturing revenue and royalties
for the second quarter of 2010 or 2009.

In January 2010, the FDA approved Ampyra as a treatment to improve walking
ability in patients with MS; this was demonstrated by an improvement in walking
speed. The product was subsequently launched in the United States in March 2010.
Ampyra, which is globally licensed to Acorda, is marketed and distributed in the
United States by Acorda and will be marketed and distributed outside the United
States by Biogen Idec, Acorda`s sub-licensee, where it is called Fampridine
Prolonged Release (Fampridine-PR) tablets. EDT manufactures supplies of Ampyra
for the global market at its Athlone, Ireland facility, under a supply agreement
with Acorda.

Manufacturing and royalty revenue recorded for Ampyra in the six months ended
June 30, 2010 of $20.8 million principally reflects shipments to Acorda in the
first quarter of 2010 to satisfy Acorda`s initial stocking requirements for the
U.S. launch of the product as well as build-up of safety stock supply. As Elan
records revenue upon shipment of Ampyra to Acorda, this revenue was not
contingent upon ultimate sale of the shipped product by Acorda or its customers.
U.S. Ampyra revenues for the remainder of the year are expected to be based only
on ongoing restocking and supply needs.

Potential generic competitors have challenged the existing patent protection for
several of the products from which Elan earns manufacturing revenue and
royalties. Elan and its clients defend the parties` intellectual property rights
vigorously. However, if these challenges are successful, Elan`s manufacturing
revenue and royalties will be materially and adversely affected. As a result of
the approval and launch of generic forms of Skelaxin in April 2010, EDT`s
royalty revenues from this product have significantly declined.

Research revenue and milestones includes revenue earned from performing R&D
services on behalf of clients and technology licensing. Revenue in the second
quarter of 2009 included a license fee of $7.7 million from Acorda as a result
of Acorda entering into an agreement with Biogen Idec to develop and
commercialize Fampridine-PR in markets outside the United States.

Additional analyses of the results between the BioNeurology and EDT businesses
are set out in Appendices I and II. For the first half of 2010, Adjusted EBITDA
from the EDT business decreased to $46.5 million from $59.0 million for the same
period of 2009, reflecting the transition of this business away from some of the
older products to newer products, such as Ampyra and Invega Sustenna. For the
second quarter of 2010, Adjusted EBITDA from the EDT business decreased by $25.3
million to $13.0 million from $38.3 million for the same period of 2009. EDT
revenues, and their impact on Adjusted EBITDA, vary from quarter to quarter
based on a number of factors, including the timing of customer orders and
license fees earned, and contractual in-market sales hurdles for royalties.

Operating Expenses

Selling, general and administrative

SG&A expenses decreased by 8% to $63.8 million for the second quarter of 2010
from $69.1 million for the same period of 2009. The decrease principally
reflects reduced sales and marketing costs and amortization expense related to
Prialt, along with continued cost control. SG&A expense for the three and six
months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 can be analyzed as follows:

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30 June 30
2009 2010 2009 2010
US$m US$m US$m US$m
52.3 47.7 BioNeurology 105.8 95.6
8.3 8.6 EDT 16.2 16.8
4.1 2.9 Depreciation and amortization 8.2 6.1
4.4 4.6 Share-based compensation 9.9 9.3
69.1 63.8 Total 140.1 127.8

The SG&A expenses related to the Tysabri ROW sales are reflected in the Tysabri
ROW revenue as previously described on page 11.

Research and development

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30 June 30
2009 2010 2009 2010
US$m US$m US$m US$m
40.2 51.5 BioNeurology 80.8 103.2
11.6 14.0 EDT 23.6 27.1
29.1 – AIP 57.0 –
80.9 65.5 Total 161.4 130.3

For the second quarter of 2010, R&D expenses decreased to $65.5 million from
$80.9 million for the same period of 2009. The decrease primarily relates to the
cost savings as a result of the divestment of AIP in the third quarter of 2009.
Excluding AIP, R&D expenses increased by $13.7 million, principally reflecting
increased investment in R&D initiatives related to Tysabri and EDT.

The Phase 2 study of ELND005 has completed and the data is being analyzed.

A Phase 1b study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of subcutaneous ELND002 in
patients with relapsing forms of MS has been initiated.

In the second quarter of 2010, Elan and Biogen Idec completed enrollment of
1,000 patients in STRATIFY 1. This trial is designed to prospectively confirm
the percentage of the MS population that is positive for anti-JC Virus
antibodies and the false negative rate for this test.

On July 15, 2010 the Tysabri label was updated to include prior
immunosuppressant use as a risk factor for development of PML.

During the second quarter of 2010, Tysabri exceeded 100,000 patient years of
exposure.

Elan and Biogen-Idec continue enrolling the RESTORE clinical trial to examine
treatment interruption of Tysabri. This is a randomized, rater blinded trial in
patients who interrupt treatment with Tysabri with or without being treated with
other immunomodulatory drugs. The main purpose of the study is to find out the
following when participants stop taking Tysabri for 24 weeks: how quickly the
effects that Tysabri has on its target receptor return to normal, when MS
symptoms return and if other drugs for MS may help control MS symptoms during
the Tysabri interruption period. This study will also explore how quickly the
beneficial effects of Tysabri return after resuming Tysabri dosing.

Settlement reserve

On July 15, 2010, Elan announced that it had reached an agreement in principle
with the U.S. Attorney`s Office for the District of Massachusetts with respect
to the previously disclosed U.S. Department of Justice`s investigation of sales
and marketing practices for Zonegran, which Elan divested in 2004.

If the agreement in principle is finalized, Elan expects to pay $203.5 million
as part of a comprehensive settlement for all U.S. federal and related state
Medicaid claims and has placed $203.5 million into an escrow account to cover
the proposed settlement amount. The Company has established a reserve of $206.3
million for this expected settlement and related costs.

As part of this agreement in principle, Elan Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a U.S.
subsidiary of Elan Corporation, plc, expects to plead guilty to a misdemeanor
violation of the U.S. Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and to enter into a
Corporate Integrity Agreement with the Office of Inspector General of the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services.

While Elan expects to negotiate and enter into final settlement and Corporate
Integrity Agreements, there can be no assurance as to when or if any settlement
will be finalized or, if a settlement is finalized, what the final terms of the
settlement will be. Additionally, the proposed resolution of the Zonegran
investigation could give rise to other litigation by state government entities
or private parties.

Other net charges

Other net charges for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 were
as follows:

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30 June 30
2009 2010 2009 2010
US$m US$m US$m US$m
3.0 1.4 Severance and restructuring charges 25.2 3.5
– 0.2 Net loss on divestment of Prialt business – 1.6
– – Asset impairment charges 15.4 –
5.0 – In-process research and development 5.0 –
– – Legal settlement gain (18.0) –
8.0 1.6 Total 27.6 5.1

Other net charges for the three months ended June 30, 2010 included $1.4 million
of severance and restructuring charges principally associated with the
realignment of resources announced in 2009.

On March 4, 2010, Elan entered into a definitive agreement to divest its Prialt
assets and rights to Azur Pharma International Limited. This transaction
subsequently closed on May 5, 2010. Elan recorded a net loss of $1.6 million
arising from the Prialt divestment in the six months ended June 30, 2010.

For the three months ended June 30, 2009, other net charges of $8.0 million
consisted of an in-process research and development charge of $5.0 million in
respect of a license fee payable under a collaboration agreement with
PharmatrophiX and severance and restructuring charges of $3.0 million.

Net Interest and Investment Gains and Tax

The net interest expense for the second quarter of 2010 decreased to $26.4
million compared to $35.8 million in the second quarter of 2009, primarily due
to lower interest expense following the Johnson & Johnson and debt refinancing
transactions in the second half of 2009.

The net investment gains of $8.4 million in the second quarter of 2010 include a
gain of $7.9 million related to a recovery realized on a previously impaired
investment in auction rate securities, and a gain on disposal of investment
securities of $0.5 million.

The benefit from income taxes was $14.8 million in the second quarter of 2010,
compared to a provision of $15.9 million in the second quarter of 2009. The tax
benefit for the second quarter of 2010 reflects changes to U.S. net income, in
addition to one-off tax benefits, recorded during the quarter.

Movement in Shareholders` Equity

Three Months ended Six Months ended

June 30, 2010
June 30, 2010

US$m
US$m
500.1 Opening shareholders` equity 494.2
(213.1 ) Net loss for the period (215.1 )
7.5 Share based compensation 17.0
(6.7 ) Minimum pension liability (6.7 )
0.1 Issuance of share capital 0.9
(3.8 ) Other (6.2 )
284.1 Closing shareholders` equity 284.1

About Elan

Elan Corporation, plc (NYSE: ELN) is a neuroscience-based biotechnology company
committed to making a difference in the lives of patients and their families by
dedicating itself to bringing innovations in science to fill significant unmet
medical needs that continue to exist around the world. Elan shares trade on the
New York and Irish Stock Exchanges. For additional information about the
Company, please visit www.elan.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements about Elan`s financial
condition, results of operations, business prospects and products in research
and development that involve substantial risks and uncertainties.You can
identify these statements by the fact that they use words such as “anticipate”,
“estimate”, “project”, “target”, “intend”, “plan”, “will”, “believe”, “expect”
and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion
of future operating or financial performance or events.Among the factors that
could cause actual results to differ materially from those described or
projected herein are the following: the potential of Tysabri, which may be
severely constrained by increases in the incidence of serious adverse events
(including death) associated with Tysabri (in particular, by increases in the
incidence rate for cases of PML), or by competition from existing or new
therapies (in particular, oral therapiesfiled for U.S. and European approval),
and the potential for the successful development and commercialization of
additional products; Elan`s ability to maintain sufficient cash, liquid
resources, and investments and other assets capable of being monetized to meet
its liquidity requirements; the success of our research and development
activities, and research and development activities in which we retain an
interest, including, in particular, whether the Phase 3 clinical trials for
bapineuzumab are successful and the speed with which regulatory authorizations
and product launches may be achieved; our dependence on Johnson & Johnson and
Pfizer for the success of AIP; failure to comply with kickback and false claims
laws including in respect to past practices related to the marketing of Zonegran
which are being investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services (we have reached an agreement in
principle to resolve this Zonegran matter which, if finalized, will require Elan
to pay a $203.5 million fine and to take other actions that could have a
material adverse effect on Elan); competitive developments affecting Elan`s
products; the ability to successfully market both new and existing products;
difficulties or delays in manufacturing and supply of Elan`s products; trade
buying patterns; the impact of generic and branded competition, whether
restrictive covenants in Elan`s debt obligations will adversely affect Elan; the
trend towards managed care and health care cost containment, including Medicare
and Medicaid; whether the proposed separation of EDT occurs and, if the
separation occurs, on what terms; legislation affecting pharmaceutical pricing
and reimbursement, both domestically and internationally; failure to comply with
Elan`s payment obligations under Medicaid and other governmental programs;
exposure to product liability and other types of lawsuits and legal defense
costs and the risks of adverse decisions or settlements related to product
liability, patent protection, securities class actions, governmental
investigations and other legal proceedings; Elan`s ability to protect its
patents and other intellectual property; claims and concerns that may arise
regarding the safety or efficacy of Elan`s products or product candidates;
interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; governmental laws
and regulations affecting domestic and foreign operations, including tax
obligations; general changes in United States and International generally
accepted accounting principles; growth in costs and expenses; changes in product
mix, in particular we ceased distributing Azactam as of March 31, 2010 and we
will cease distributing Maxipime as of September 30, 2010; and the impact of
acquisitions, divestitures, restructurings, product withdrawals and other
unusual items. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and
other matters can be found in Elan`s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2009, and in its Reports of Foreign Issuer on Form 6-K
filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.Elan assumes no
obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise.

Appendix I

Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
June 30, 2009 June 30, 2010
Bio- EDT Total Bio- EDT Total

Neurology
Neurology
US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m
Revenue
202.0 68.6 270.6 Product revenue 212.9 51.6 264.5
– 10.3 10.3 Contract revenue – 4.4 4.4
202.0 78.9 280.9 Total revenue 212.9 56.0 268.9
109.9 29.5 139.4 Cost of goods sold 112.6 29.0 141.6
92.1 49.4 141.5 Gross margin 100.3 27.0 127.3

Operating Expenses
59.4 9.7 69.1 Selling, general and administrative(1) 53.8 10.0 63.8
69.3 11.6 80.9 Research and development 51.5 14.0 65.5
– – – Settlement reserve charge 206.3 – 206.3
7.2 0.8 8.0 Other net charges 1.2 0.4 1.6
135.9 22.1 158.0 Total operating expenses 312.8 24.4 337.2
(43.8 ) 27.3 (16.5 ) Operating income/(loss) (212.5 ) 2.6 (209.9 )

10.5 8.6 19.1 Depreciation and amortization 7.7 8.0 15.7
– (0.3 ) (0.3 ) Amortized fees (0.1 ) (0.2 ) (0.3 )
6.9 1.9 8.8 Share-based compensation 5.4 2.2 7.6
– – – Settlement reserve charge 206.3 – 206.3
7.2 0.8 8.0 Other net charges 1.2 0.4 1.6
(19.2 ) 38.3 19.1 Adjusted EBITDA 8.0 13.0 21.0
(1) General and corporate costs have been allocated between the two segments.

Appendix II

Six Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, 2009 June 30, 2010
Bio- EDT Total Bio- EDT Total

Neurology
Neurology
US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m US$m
Revenue
387.4 126.1 513.5 Product revenue 446.0 124.3 570.3
– 12.5 12.5 Contract revenue 1.0 8.1 9.1
387.4 138.6 526.0 Total revenue 447.0 132.4 579.4
210.2 58.0 268.2 Cost of goods sold 227.3 59.8 287.1
177.2 80.6 257.8 Gross margin 219.7 72.6 292.3

Operating Expenses
121.3 18.8 140.1 Selling, general and administrative(1) 108.3 19.5 127.8
137.8 23.6 161.4 Research and development 103.2 27.1 130.3
– – – Settlement reserve charge 206.3 – 206.3
24.1 3.5 27.6 Other net charges 4.7 0.4 5.1
283.2 45.9 329.1 Total operating expenses 422.5 47.0 469.5
(106.0) 34.7 (71.3) Operating income/(loss) (202.8) 25.6 (177.2)

21.0 17.2 38.2 Depreciation and amortization 15.0 16.5 31.5
– (0.4) (0.4) Amortized fees (0.2) (0.2) (0.4)
15.0 4.0 19.0 Share-based compensation 12.9 4.2 17.1
– – – Settlement reserve charge 206.3 – 206.3
24.1 3.5 27.6 Other net charges 4.7 0.4 5.1
(45.9) 59.0 13.1 Adjusted EBITDA 35.9 46.5 82.4
(1) General and corporate costs have been allocated between the two segments.

Elan Corporation, plc
Investor Relations:
Chris Burns, 800-252-3526
David Marshall, 353-1-709-4444
or
Media Relations:
Mary Stutts, 650-794-4403
Paul McSharry, 353-1-663-3600

Copyright Business Wire 2010

China search market grows 53 pct in Q2 -research

July 19 (Reuters) – China’s search market by revenue grew 53.2 percent in the second quarter to 2.64 billion yuan ($390 million), data from technology research firm iResearch showed on Monday.

Baidu’s (BIDU.O) share of the market rose to 70.8 percent in the second quarter from 67.8 percent in the first quarter, as the firm ate into Google’s (GOOG.O) market share.

Google, which has faced difficulty in China since threatening in January to quit the market on censorship concerns and after a serious hacking episode, saw its market share fall to 27.3 percent in the second quarter, down from 29.5 percent in the first.

Before its high-profile spat with Beijing, Google was slowly gaining ground on Baidu. In the fourth quarter of 2009, Google’s market share was 32.8 percent versus Baidu’s 64.8 percent.

Baidu told Reuters earlier this month it saw only marginal gains if China ousted rival Google Inc from the Web search market, and was banking instead on rapid Internet adoption in that country.

Baidu reports its second-quarter results on July 21. ($1=6.775 Yuan) (Reporting by Melanie Lee; Editing by Jonathan Hopfner)

European car market drops for third straight month

July 15 (Reuters) – The European car market fell in June for the third straight month as the artificial boost from scrapping schemes across the continent continued to abate, hurting sales for Fiat (FIA.MI), Ford (F.N) and Toyota (7203.T).

Registrations of new vehicles in the European Union dropped 6.9 percent to 1.34 million units last month driven mainly by sharp declines in Germany and Italy, according to data published on Thursday by the European industry association ACEA.

Hardest hit among major brands was the Fiat marque, heavily dependent on both its domestic Italian market as well as demand for small cars that were so inflated by government-sponsored scrapping schemes in recent months.

Its figures revealed a 21 percent plunge while it relinquished just over one full percentage point of market share in the EU. Its Lancia brand performed even worse.

Meanwhile, Ford lost a lot of volume from its Fiesta subcompact and Focus hatchback models. New registrations tumbled nearly 20 percent.

Toyota also weighed on the market with a 15 percent decline in its sales, possibly a continued after-effect from the safety scandals that rocked the company earlier this year.

VW’s Spanish brand Seat oddly enough incurred a 16 percent drop in demand, despite a sharp rebound in its domestic market. Seat relies over-proportionately on sales of its Ibiza subcompact.

Among the winners last month were Renault (RENA.PA) as well as GM’s [GM.UL] Opel.

Opel has recently enjoyed a boost from its new Astra hatchback that first hit markets at the very end of last year. It also had some support from the next-generation Meriva small monocab that debuted in markets in mid-June.

On Tuesday, Ford maintained its forecast for a drop in the market of anywhere between 5.6 percent to almost 12 percent this year.

“We will not sacrifice profitability for volume or share, as some of our competitors seem to be doing. We believe such unsustainable heavy discounting only damages brand reputation and further weakens the market,” Ford of Europe sales chief Ingvar Sviggum had said at the time.

(Reporting by Christiaan Hetzner)

Baosteel to be evaluated for Nissan supply

July 12 (Reuters) – China’s second-largest steelmaker Baosteel Group said it will be evaluated by Japanese carmaker Nissan Motor Co (7201.T) as a global autosheet supplier.

This is the first time a Chinese steel producer has entered the car maker’s global supply evaluation mechanism.

As China’s leading auto sheet producer, Baosteel said in a notice on its website that it expected to have more cooperation with Nissan through its partnership with Nissan’s car venture with Hong Kong-listed Dongfeng Motor Group Co (0489.HK).

Beijing is encouraging top steelmakers to develop more high-end steel products to increase the market share of larger producers and filter out inefficient capacity, with Baosteel leading the way.

The group, parent of Shanghai-listed Baoshan Iron & Steel (600019.SS), has received regulatory approval for its Zhanjiang project, which is expected to produce high-grade steel products. [ID:nTOE66507D] (Reporting by Ruby Lian and Jason Subler; Editing by Chris Lewis)

Kesko Oyj: Kesko’s sales in May 2010

KESKO CORPORATION STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 14.06.2010 AT 09.00 1(2)

The Kesko Group’s sales, excluding VAT, totalled €765.9 million in May 2010, showing an
increase of 8.5%.

In the food trade, sales in May were €326.2 million, an increase of 5.1%. The sales to
K-food store chains were up by 6.5%.

In the home and speciality goods trade, sales in May were €113.9 million, an increase of
2.3%. Sales of clothing and sports goods, above all, developed well.

In the building and home improvement trade, sales in May were €242.5 million, an
increase of 10.8%. Sales in Finland were up by 20.9%. In other countries, sales
increased by 2.9% in terms of euros. In Russia, sales increased by 25.2% in terms of
euros and by 11.4% in terms of the local currency. In the Baltic countries, sales were
down by 19.3%.

In the car and machinery trade, VV-Auto’s sales in May were €62.1 million, an increase
of 41.1%. The market share of passenger cars represented by VV-Auto was 19.9% (17.7%).
Konekesko’s sales in May were €35.8 million, an increase of 6.4%. The increase can be
mainly attributed to the good development in boat sales.

Kesko Group sales in euros, excluding VAT, in May 2010:

May 2010 1.1. – 31.5.2010
€ million Change,% € million Change,%
Food trade, total 326.2 5.1 1,560.4 0.9
Home and speciality goods trade, Finland 112.9 2.8 578.0 2.7
Home and speciality goods trade, other countries 1.0 -33.5 6.6 -29.6
Home and speciality goods trade, total 113.9 2.3 584.6 2.1
Building and home improvement trade, Finland 116.1 20.9 493.0 4.2
Building and home improvement trade, other countries 126.3 2.9 483.2 -1.9
Building and home improvement trade, total 242.5 10.8 976.1 1.1
Car and machinery trade, Finland 86.0 32.9 393.4 -1.5
Car and machinery trade, other countries 11.9 -7.7 44.6 -27.7
Car and machinery trade, total 97.8 26.2 438.0 -5.0
Common operations and eliminations -14.6 -68.1

Finland, total 626.7 10.2 2,956.7 1.4
Other countries, total 139.1 1.5 534.3 -5.2
Grand total 765.9 8.5 3,491.1 0.4

Change,% indicates the change over the corresponding period of the previous year.

In May 2010, the number of selling days in Kesko’s wholesale in Finland was 20, which is
one more than in May 2009. The total number of wholesale selling days in January-May was
one more than in the previous year. The number of retail selling days in May was 27,
which is the same as in the previous year. The total number of retail selling days in
January-May was sixteen more than in the previous year.

The sales from operations in Finland presented in this release include the export sales
of the companies in Finland (previously exports were included in the sales of other
countries). The comparative figures have been restated to reflect the change in
presentation.

Kesko publishes advance information about the K-Group’s retail sales quarterly, in
connection with the interim reports.

Further information is available from Vice President, Corporate Controller Jukka Erlund,
tel. +358 1053 22338.

Kesko Corporation

Paavo Moilanen
Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications and Responsibility

DISTRIBUTION
NASDAQ OMX Helsinki
Main news media

www.kesko.fi

HUG#1423526

AIG says amends terms of stalled Taiwan unit sale

June 11 (Reuters) – American International Group (AIG.N) and the buyers of its Taiwan Nan Shan insurance unit have modified the terms of the $2.2 billion deal to try and speed up its passage by Taiwan’s regulators, AIG said on Friday.

Stocks | Mergers & Acquisitions | Global Markets | Financials

AIG said that under the amendment, $325 million of the purchase price will be placed in escrow for four years on completion of the deal, as an additional measure of support for Nan Shan’s capital position.

AIG agreed to sell Nan Shan to conglomerate China Strategic (0235.HK) and Hong Kong-based financial services firm Primus Financial in October.

It has not been able to close the deal on concerns in Taiwan that the buyers were backed by mainland Chinese money and did not have the experience to run Taiwan’s No.3 life insurer by market share with more than 4 million policy holders.

(Reporting by Jonathan Standing; Editing by Erica Billingham)

Research and Markets: Lead-Acid Batteries Line Is Forecast To Expand 20 Percent Annually In The Next Few Years, With Output Reaching $10.3 Billion By 2015 Says China Sourcing Report

DUBLIN–(Business Wire)–
Research and
Markets(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/c5a48c/china_sourcing_rep)
has announced the addition of the “China Sourcing Report: Batteries 2010″ report
to their offering.

Battery suppliers in China will continue to ramp up production amid positive
forecasts for the industry, strengthening the country’s position as the world’s
largest supplier of the product.

The lithium battery segment is expected to lead development, riding at the back
of the environmental protection trend. It has been rising 20 percent YoY and
will remain buoyant in years to come as applications widen in portable
electronics, computers, power tools and electric vehicles.

The line is projected to experience at least 20 percent annual output growth in
the next few years, driven mainly by the consumer electronics, automotive,
computer, toy and mobile phone sectors.

NiMH is also poised for steady growth. Although lithium has dominated the
majority of applications, the former will maintain its stronghold in the global
HEV segment until 2020. Aside from HEVs, local suppliers are eyeing the markets
originally for NiCd as the cadmium-containing variant continues to dwindle in
supply.

Primary batteries such as drycell units still have a significant market share
because of their many everyday applications and low prices. Environment-friendly
rechargeable rivals, however, are expected to catch up and turn the tables on
them in future.

Projections for lead-acid batteries remain rosy, buoyed by the robust global
automotive industry. The line is forecast to expand 20 percent annually in the
next few years, with output reaching $10.3 billion by 2015.

In coming months, R&D will focus on lithium variants amid rising emphasis on
green initiatives. Makers are likewise improving waste management practices to
minimize environmental hazards.

Development efforts also revolve around enhanced safety features, wider
operating temperature and lower self-discharge rate to improve battery
performance. Toward this end, new cathode and anode materials are being eyed as
well.

Companies continue to improve operating efficiency to close the gap with foreign
counterparts in terms of automation. Upbeat projections are encouraging plans to
boost annual capital expenditure this year.

This report covers lithium, NiMH, lead-acid and dry-cell batteries.

What you’ll get

* In-depth profiles of 29 major suppliers with a comprehensive look at their
manufacturing and export capability, verified contact details, and more this
information is not available anywhere else
* 124 full-color images that depict popular batteries export models, complete
with product descriptions, prices, minimum order requirements and delivery times

* Verified supplier contact details of an additional 36 exporters, including
names, e-mails, telephone numbers and websites
* Supplier information in tabular format to help you compare companies at a
glance
* Results of the custom-designed supplier survey, which forecasts industry
trends for the next 12 months
* An extensive overview of the industry discussing the main challenges facing
suppliers
* An in-depth examination of the supplier base highlighting key characteristics
of different types of companies
* Details of the primary production centers
* An update of the latest trends in design, R&D, materials and components
* A review of the key factors that influence the price and quality of low-end,
midrange and high-end products
* Comprehensive pricing tables featuring export price ranges

Who should read this report

* CEOs, Directors, Presidents, Business Owners
* Export/ Import Managers, Sourcing Representatives, Sourcing Engineers, Supply
Chain Directors, Procurement Managers, Agents
* Sales Executives & Managers, Marketing Executives & Managers, International
Buyers
* Business Consultants, Investment Managers
* Anyone who needs to understand the China supply market

The following are some of the key trends in Chinas battery industry:

* Prices in coming months will likely remain at current levels because of a
similar trend in material costs.
* R&D will focus on lithium variants amid rising emphasis on green initiatives.
Makers are likewise improving waste management practices to minimize
environmental hazards.
* Future releases will highlight larger storage capacity to meet various power
requirements, and longer life span to extend product use and cut down rate of
disposal.
* Development efforts also revolve around enhanced safety features, wider
operating temperature and lower self-discharge rate to improve battery
performance. Toward this end, new cathode and anode materials are being eyed as
well.
* China companies continue to improve operating efficiency to close the gap with
foreign counterparts in terms of automation. Upbeat projections are encouraging
plans to boost annual capital expenditure this year.

This report covers lithium, NiMH, lead-acid and dry-cell batteries manufactured
in China. Each category has its own product section that details the mainstream
features, prices and R&D plans for the main types. Raw materials and components
are also discussed.

The Industry Overview elaborates on the status of each segment, covering key
growth drivers, major challenges and strategies to address them, and projections
for the line in coming years.

There are more than 2,000 suppliers of various batteries in China. The majority
of the companies are engaged in the manufacture and export of lithium variants.
Guangdong province plays host to the most number of enterprises, which benefit t
from the areas abundant supply of zinc, manganese oxide, carbon and steel. The
others are located in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Hubei, Fujian and Shandong provinces.

Methodology:

To produce this report, the author surveyed a wide range of suppliers. Rather
than focus simply on high-profile makers, we compiled a representative sample of
large, midsize and emerging manufacturers. All profiled companies are
export-oriented professional suppliers that are verified by the author.

Each supplier is confirmed to be authentic with a legally registered business.
All companies are visited three or more times to ensure they are export-ready
and have real offices and products.

The listed contact person has been verified to represent the registered company.
In each case, companies were required to answer specific questions designed to
verify their manufacturing and export credentials.

All profiled suppliers participated in a survey designed to provide insight into
product and price trends, and challenges facing the industry in the next 12
months. All survey questions are single choice. Results were calculated based on
the actual number of valid responses to each question. Suppliers are ranked
based on a 6-star ranking system. Companies with a higher star ranking provide
more business information and verification reports on their online homepages.

Suppliers rated 5 or 6 stars have a Credit Check report from First Advantage or
Sino-Trust and a Supplier Capability Assessment report provided by Bureau
Veritas online.

For more information visit

http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/c5a48c/china_sourcing_rep

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

AvtoVAZ sees total 2010 Russia car sales at 1.7 mln

PARIS, June 11 (Reuters) -AvtoVAZ (AVAZ.MM), Russia’s biggest carmaker, expects total car sales in Russia to exceed 1.7 million this year from 1.47 million in 2009 due to the state-backed cash-for clunkers scheme, the company CEO told Reuters on Friday.

Igor Komarov also said that he sees AvtoVAZ market share in Russia shrinking to 27-29 percent from around 30 percent now.

(Reporting by Gleb Bryanski, writing by Vladimir Soldatkin; editing by John Bowker)

Research and Markets: Philippines – Broadband Market – 2010 Edition

DUBLIN–(Business Wire)–
Research and Markets
(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/74b05d/philippines_broa) has
announced the addition of the “Philippines – Broadband Market” report to their
offering.

Compared with many of its Asian neighbours, the Philippines had been moving
slowly on the adoption of Internet. Of the estimated 7% of the population which
constituted the Internet user population in 2008, only a fraction of these were
using a high-speed broadband connection to go online. Nevertheless, with the
data and Internet markets well positioned for growth, the country’s broadband
market had finally started to expand, with the annual increase in broadband
subscribers running at in excess of 100% in successive years. However, for
future growth to be sustainable the provision of reliable infrastructure remains
critical. This report looks at the various projects and initiatives as the
government continues to encourage the development of broadband.

Key Topics Covered:

* 1. Synopsis
* 2. Broadband in the Philippines
* 2.1 Market overview
* 2.1.1 Broadband statistics
* 2.1.2 Regulatory issues
* 2.1.3 National Broadband Network (NBN)
* 2.2 Cable modem
* 2.3 Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
* 2.4 Wireless broadband
* 2.4.1 Market overview
* 2.4.2 WiFi
* 2.4.3 WiMAX
* 2.5 Major broadband service providers
* 2.5.1 PLDT
* 2.5.2 GlobeNet
* 2.5.3 BayanTel
* 2.5.4 Bell Telecoms I-Direct
* 2.5.5 Broadband Philippines
* 2.5.6 Meridian
* 2.6 Internet via satellite
* 2.7 IP networks
* 3. Related reports
* Table 1 – Broadband subscribers – 2001 – 2011
* Table 2 – Broadband subscribers and households – 2009
* Table 3 – Broadband subscribers by service provider – 2008
* Table 4 – DSL subscribers – 2001 – 2009
* Table 5 – PLDT broadband subscribers and market share – 2005 – 2009
* Table 6 – PLDTs DSL subscribers – 2001 – 2009

For more information visit

http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/74b05d/philippines_broa

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

Good chance for ‘reasonable’ US reform bill-Volcker

June 9 (Reuters) – There is a good chance that the sweeping U.S. financial reform bill will be passed in a “reasonable form,” White House economic adviser Paul Volcker said on Wednesday, adding the bill could provide a basis for international coordination on coherent legislation.

Regulatory News | Global Markets | Funds News | ETFs News | Private Capital

He added there is no basis yet for “business as usual” in U.S. and European financial markets, despite some economic growth over the last year.

The proposed “Volcker rule” being debated by U.S. lawmakers would ban risky proprietary trading unrelated to customers’ needs; bar them from sponsoring hedge funds and private equity funds; and limit their future growth through a new cap on market share. (Reporting by Jonathan Spicer; Editing by James Dalgleish)

Research and Markets: Select the Right Vendor for Server Virtualization

DUBLIN–(Business Wire)–
Research and Markets
(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/2e1511/select_the_right_v) has
announced the addition of the “Select the Right Vendor for Server
Virtualization” report to their offering.

VMware continues to dominate but Citrix and now Microsoft offer viable
alternatives.

Your Challenge

* Situation. For serious server virtualization beyond proof of concept testing
VMware is the obvious choice, as it dominates the market. Many organizations do
not explore alternatives.
* Limitation. While VMware leads in features, functions and market share, it is
also a proprietary approach and the most expensive. Citrix XenServer has rapidly
closed the features gap and Microsoft is close behind with Hyper-V R2. Both are
cheaper and function in a heterogeneous (multi-hypervisor) environment.
* Solution. VMware will likely top the short list but it is now possible to
actually have a short list. For lower costs considerations Citrix XenServer and
Microsoft Hyper-V R2 are viable alternatives.

Our Advice

Critical Insight

VMware’s significant market share shouldn’t be a deciding factor. Consider the
strengths and weaknesses of all of the vendors:

* Citrix’s free management tools vs. battling the mindset that Citrix = desktop
virtualization
* Microsoft’s quickly maturing Hyper-V vs. out of touch licensing scheme

Impact and Result

* Virtualization first-timers should start with free hypervisors to achieve
basic server partitioning and consolidation and to gain experience with
virtualization.
* Management tools come at a price but are needed to take virtualization efforts
to a higher level (e.g., disaster recovery goals).
* Vendors eventually want to lead enterprises up the path to the cloud; server
virtualization is a key enabler of cloud initiatives.

What you receive:

Key Topics Covered:

* What Citrix XenServer Adds to Xen Virtualization (Pdf)
* Hyper-V R2: Microsoft Fills its Virtualization Gaps (Pdf)
* VMware vSphere: Next Step in Virtualization (Pdf)
* XenServer 5.5: Keeping Up with Citrix’s Latest Update (Pdf)
* VMware Go: Adds Value to ESXi Hypervisor (Video)
* Battle of the Hypervisors: How Do They Compare? (Pdf)
* ESXi: No-Charge Hypervisors Boost Consolidation Savings (Pdf)
* How the Free XenServer Ups the Management Ante (Pdf)
* VMware Highlights Memory as a Differentiator (Pdf)
* Vendor Landscape: Competitors Catch Up to VMware (Pdf)
* Oracle Consolidates Xen Based Virtualization Players (Pdf)

For more information visit

http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/2e1511/select_the_right_v

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

Czech utility CEZ enters retail gas market

June 3 (Reuters) – Czech power group CEZ — central Europe’s biggest utility — has entered the retail gas market in its home country and hopes to carve out market share by offering cheaper supplies bought on the spot market, it said on Thursday.

Utilities

CEZ (CEZPsp.PR) declined to give details on projected market share in the retail market but said cheap spot prices spurred it to challenge dominant Czech gas supplier RWE Transgas.

Alan Svoboda, the utility’s head of sales and trading, said European gas companies like RWE were locked into long-term take or pay contracts and ended up selling unused gas on the spot market it did not need due to the economic crisis. This forced down spot prices, he said.

“CEZ took advantage of the situation on the spot market for favourable purchase of gas,” Svoboda said.

CEZ started offering gas to big corporate customers in the fourth quarter of 2009. For 2010, they contracted deliveries 1,726 GWh, gaining a 5 percent market share among large corporate customers.

Earlier this week, RWE Transgas, a unit of Germany’s RWE (RWEG.DE), said it would raise household gas prices by 4.9 percent from the third quarter due to higher oil prices and a weaker Czech crown. (Reporting by Jan Korselt and Michael Kahn; editing by James Jukwey)

Research and Markets: 2Q10 India Mobile Operator Forecast, 2009 – 2014: India will have more than 1 Billion Mobile Subscribers in 2014

DUBLIN–(Business Wire)–
Research and Markets
(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/8f3045/2q10_india_mobile) has
announced the addition of IE Market Research Corp.’s new report “2Q10 India
Mobile Operator Forecast, 2009 – 2014: India will have more than 1 Billion
Mobile Subscribers in 2014 with Bharti Airtel taking Market Share of 21%” to
their offering.

2Q10 India Mobile Operator Forecast, 2009 – 2014: India will have more than 1
Billion Mobile Subscribers in 2014 with Bharti Airtel taking Market Share of 21%

Mobile Operator Forecast on India provides over 50 operational and financial
metrics for the Indian wireless market and is one of the best forecasts in the
industry. We provide five-year forecasts at the operator level going out to
2014. We also provide quarterly historical and forecast data starting in 1Q2003
and ending in 4Q2011. Operators covered for India include: Reliance
Communications Ltd. (RCom), Vodafone Essar Limited, Bharti Airtel Limited,
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), and Idea Cellular Limited. Our Mobile
Operator Forecasts are updated quarterly and are available for one-time delivery
or through regular updates.

Executive Summary:

Wireless subscriber growth in India continues to be one of the fastest in the
world

* +51.4% industry-average subscriber growth in 4Q.2009
* The Indian wireless market keeps growing at an impressive rate. The
operator-wide average subscriber growth (YoY) in 4Q.2009 was 51.4%, up from
48.3% in 4Q.2008.
* There still is plenty of subscribers to go around in India as demonstrated by
its low wireless penetration rate of 43.6% in 4Q.2009.
* Among the operators covered in our forecast, Idea Cellular continues to have
the highest subscriber growth rate (YoY) at 83.8% in 4Q.2009.
* Also, both RCom (Reliance Communications) and Vodafone Essar continue to enjoy
subscriber growth rates (YoY) of above 50%.
* On the other hand, Bharti Airtel Limited saw its subscriber growth (YoY)
decline to 38.8% in 4Q.2009, down from 55.3% in 4Q.2008.

ARPU levels continue declining

* -31.4% industry average ARPU growth in 4Q.2009
* India has seen negative ARPU growth for the past six years (since we’ve
tracked this market).
* ARPU declines are being led by the aggressive pricing strategy at RCom. RCom’s
ARPU growth rate was -40.6% in 4Q.2009 (down from -26.0% in 4Q.2008). Its
monthly ARPU has declined to INR 149 in 4Q.2009.
* Also, Bharti Airtel’s monthly ARPU declined by -32.2% (YoY) to reach INR 209
in 4Q.2009.

Minutes of Use per Subscriber declined across operators in the latest quarter

* -12.8% industry average MOU/Sub growth in 4Q.2009
* The industry average MOU/Sub (Minutes of Use per Subscriber) declined to 375
minutes per month in 4Q.2009, down -12.8% from 4Q.2008.
* Bharti Airtel continues to have the highest network usage among operators with
MOU/Sub of 446 minutes per month in 4Q.2009 (down -11.7% from 505 minutes in
4Q.2008).
* RCom’s MOU/Sub declined by -19.5% in 4Q.2009 to reach 330 minutes per month.

EBITDA growth in the Indian wireless market turned negative in the latest
quarter

* -7.8% industry average EBITDA growth in 4Q.2009
* The industry average EBITDA growth (YoY) in 4Q.2009 was -7.8%, significantly
down from 9.6% in 4Q.2008.
* RCom’s EBITDA growth rate (YoY) declined significantly from 5.0% in 4Q.2008 to
-24.5% in 4Q.2009.
* EBITDA growth (YoY) at Bharti Airtel was also negative at -3.1% in 4Q.2009,
down from 9.1% in 4Q.2008.

So what is IEMRs Forecast?

Total wireless subscribers in India to reach 1 billion in 2014

* Our forecasting model predicts that the number of total wireless subscribers
in India will reach 1 billion by the end of 2014.
* The Indian mobile operator space is highly competitive with many players. The
largest mobile network operator will continue to be Bharti Airtel whose
subscriber base will increase from 118.8 million in 2009 to about 210 million in
2014.
* We also forecast that mobile subscriber accounts at Reliance Communications
(RCom) will increase from the current 93.8 million to about 186 million in
2014.

We expect a shift in market shares as new entrants gain more subscribers over
the next several years

* Bharti Airtel will continue to be the largest mobile operator, but we forecast
that its subscriber market share will decrease from 22.6% in 2009 to 21% in
2014.
* We also expect that market shares of Vodafone and RCom will be decreasing over
the next five years to reach 16.8% and 18.6% respectively by the end of 2014.
* In contrast, we expect that Idea will see its market share increase from 11.0%
to 14.8% over the forecast period, 2009 – 2014.

ARPU levels will be declining further over the next several years, but not as
drastically as in the past

* ARPU levels in India will continue to fall across operators over the forecast
period, but the rate of change will not be as dramatic as in the past, according
to our model. Our model predicts that the industry average monthly ARPU will
decline from INR 226 in 2009 to INR 115 in 2014.
* We expect that RCom will continue to receive lower ARPUs than Vodafone Essar
and Bharti Airtel. We forecast that its monthly ARPU will decline significantly
from INR 186 in 2009 to INR 104 in 2014.

RCom will continue to enjoy higher EBITDA margins than Bharti Airtel and Idea

* We expect that RCom’s EBITDA margins will continue to be higher than those of
Bharti Airtel and Idea.
* Our model predicts that EBITDA margins (calculated as EBITDA/service revenue)
at RCom, Bharti Airtel and Idea will be approximately 37.5%, 32.5%, and 29%
respectively in 2014.

Companies Mentioned:

* Reliance Communications Ltd.
* Vodafone Essar Limited
* Bharti Airtel Limited
* Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)
* Idea Cellular Limited

For more information visit

http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/8f3045/2q10_india_mobile

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

Reuters Summit-Luxury sector will outperform in 2010-fund

PARIS, June 1 (Reuters) – Watches and spirits are set for a solid rebound this year, with LVMH (LVMH.PA), Swatch (UHR.VX) and Richemont (CFR.VX) top of the list of luxury stocks with the biggest upside, Paris-based luxury fund SG Gestion said.

Isabelle Ardon, head of SG Gestion’s $31.5 million luxury fund, said the sector would outperform the MSCI World index this year thanks to strong demand from Chinese buyers, recovery in the United States and the weaker euro.

Watches and spirits sales will also get a boost from retailers rebuilding stocks after cutting them sharply in 2009, the worst year on record for the luxury goods industry.

“Watches and spirits are the sectors we favour most because they are expected to show nice growth this year”, Ardon said in an interview at the Reuters Global Luxury Summit in Paris.

Shares in LVMH and Richemont have risen nearly 10 percent since Jan. 1, while Swatch shares have gained 15 percent.

Watches are set for double-digit growth in 2010 after dropping 22 percent in 2009, Ardon said.

Swatch Group, whose watch brands Omega, Breguet, Longines and Tissot span a large price range, should benefit more strongly from the recovery than Richemont, whose brands include Cartier and IWC, she said.

Swatch is also more exposed to China than Richemont, she added.

LVMH (LVMH.PA), the industry leader and the biggest luxury holding of SG Gestion, is expected to benefit from the recovery of cognac and champagne sales, hit hard by the downturn.

With a weak euro, it will also be easier to lift the prices of some spirits in some countries abroad, she said.

LVMH’s revenue should also get a lift from Louis Vuitton, regarded by consumers as a safer investment than other leather goods brands because it never offers discounts and is always seen as being in fashion.

CHINESE TOP LUXURY BUYERS

“There has been a polarisation of the market… The most well-known brands have weathered the crisis best and have won market share,” Ardon said.

As stock markets return to more normal levels, Ardon said she was “quite optimistic” about the sector performance this year.

“Luxury is likely to outperform the other sectors in 2010 compared with the MSCI World index and the MSCI Consumer Discretionary (index),” she said.

The debt crisis in Europe is unlikely to affect demand in the euro zone as the weaker single currency is likely to attract shoppers, with Chinese visitors driving demand for luxury goods.

“The euro zone is a sizeable market, but today the growth reserve is in the emerging countries, and particularly in China, whose demand is pulling the entire sector. This is the reason why we are not too worried about it,” Ardon said.

Chinese consumers have become the biggest luxury spenders, accounting for about 25 percent of global sales, followed by Americans, Europeans and Japanese, each accounting for around 20 percent of world demand.

“For the Chinese consumer, luxury is synonymous with Western heritage. Today there are no big Chinese luxury brands, so there are no competitors”, she said. (For more on the Reuters Global Luxury Summit, see [ID:LDE6500F5]) (Editing by Astrid Wendlandt and Louise Heavens)

State Bank of India profits for the first time in three years

Kolkata, May 15 (ANI): The State Bank of India (SBI) has registered a 32 per cent drop in the net profits in the fourth financial quarter (Q4), which ended on March 31 this year.

The net income of the bank in Q4 this year has fallen from last year”s impressive Rs. 27.4 billion to Rs 18.7 billion.

The reason cited behind the fall in profits is higher provisioning in the areas of pay-revision arrears, liquidity overhang and non-performing assets.

Alleviating fears of investors, Chairman of the SBI, Om Prakash Bhatt, however, said that despite the low profits, the bank was in a position to mobilise resources expand the base of the bank.

“During both this current quarter that we are talking about and the year that has gone past, if you look at all the performance parameters on the banking side, the bank has done very well,” he added.

This is the first fall in profits that the bank has seen in the past three years.

However, the SBI has ended the financial year, 2009-2010, with a profit of Rs. 9,166 crore. This is higher than the Rs. 9,121 crore profit registered by the bank in 2008-2009.
“Our free income has gone up by 27 per cent. We are gaining market share in advances. Our cost of deposit is going down quarter after quarter. So in every parameter of banking, you will find that not only is the bank performing better than it did earlier, but is also performing better than the industry,” said Bhatt.

Responding to the query on how the SBI would expand its services, Bhatt said, “We are building up enablers so that in the coming years, the bank would be even better positioned to take advantage as this economy goes up on to a higher growth cycle.”

Driven by its gains, the SBI is planning to come up with a retail bond service worth Rs 200 crore, in the first half of the present financial quarter.

Speaking on the plight of investors especially in the export business, Bhatt said: “With regard to them, I think that they are not as getting hurt right now as they did by the recession or lower growth in the western economies that took place especially in the United States of America and Europe. This is because a bulk of our exports is to these areas.” (ANI)

Local market opens higher

The Australian share market has risen above the 5,000-point threshold, boosted by miners on higher metals prices.

About 11:00am AEST, the All Ordinaries index was up 37 points to 5,010, and the ASX 200 was 36 points higher at 4,984.

Rio Tinto had jumped almost 2 per cent and BHP Billiton had added 1.3 per cent.

Shares in Macarthur Coal were more than 8.5 per cent higher at $16.90 after speculation that a bidding war for the company was set to heat up.

The Australian dollar was also stronger, trading at 93.6 US cents.

New car sales surge in March

The main auto industry lobby group says new car sales hit a monthly record in March.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) says 94,744 new cars and commercial vehicles were sold last month, up 25 per cent on the same month last year.

It was also 352 vehicles higher than the previous monthly record set in 2007.

The chamber says business sales showed some sign of easing following the end of investment tax breaks.

However it says there was a strong rise in sales of SUVs and passenger cars compared to last year.

“This is an outstanding March result and provides further evidence that the marketplace is returning to pre-global financial crisis levels,” FCAI chief executive Andrew McKellar said.

Car rental companies accounted for a large part of the sales increase, with a 331.5 per cent rise in purchases during March.

Toyota remained the highest selling brand with a 21.4 per cent market share, while Holden held a 12.4 per cent share and Ford was the third biggest-selling make with an 8.5 per cent share of sales.

Market flat at noon

The Australian share market has reversed earlier gains and is trading largely flat.

Around noon (AEDT) the All Ordinaries index was 4 points lower to 4,901.

The ASX 200 was also down 4 points to 4,892.

There are mixed results in most sectors today.

Miner BHP Billiton was 0.3 per cent higher but Rio Tinto was down 0.6 per cent.

Of the big four banks, ANZ and the Commonwealth Bank were 0.12 per cent lower and 0.77 per cent lower, respectively.

However, Westpac was 0.43 per cent higher and the National Australia Bank had added 0.4 per cent.

Telstra shares were up 2 cents to $3.08 after the telco announced a reshuffle of its executive team.

The Australian dollar was buying 90.5 US cents.