An ambitious restructuring plan has brought the Swedish-Swiss engineering group a more positive credit rating, which in turn is translating into a healthier order book. However, unsettled asbestos claims remain a large blot on the landscape, says Geraldine Lambe.

Following a decision by Bank of America to build a European presence, Arrington Mixon talks to Geraldine Lambe about the reasons behind the decision and how the bank approached putting together its European team.

Following a critical reorganisation, Brian Lawson, chief operating officer fixed income, Europe, at Nomura, says the business is once again ready to recapture its pre-1998 position. He talked to Geraldine Lambe about the focus of building intelligent, long-term businesses.

As the economic good times roll in Russia, foreign banks are either bolstering their current operations or looking for a way in, says Geraldine Lambe.

In the wake of a tough market and a poor reception for its new-look Golf, German carmaker Volkswagen has revealed a downbeat outlook for 2004 and announced plans to cut expenditure by 10%. Yet, it seems, analysts are still sceptical. Geraldine Lambe reports.

UK’s Vodafone loses out to American competitor in a mega mobile phone deal that should represent a ‘clean, one-stage transaction’ – it also pleased the markets and the unions. Geraldine Lambe explains.

Since ABN AMRO announced structural changes, it has posted good figures and is climbing the league tables. The bank’s global head of Financial Markets tells Geraldine Lambe that the two developments are closely related.

Goldman Sachs drew on its expertise in inflation-linked bonds in an innovative 15-year issue for Agence France Trésor. Geraldine Lambe reports on how it suggested the move and helped make the deal.

Employment giant Adecco has been hit by a raft of problems at its North American arm, resulting in a stock slide, rating downgrade and official investigations in New York. Geraldine Lambe reports.

Fannie Mae may be popular in the US but can this mortgage model cross the Atlantic? This month Geraldine Lambe analyses why Europe must choose a different approach.
Seventy-seven bank chairmen/chief executives from 77 different countries are bound to produce a variety of opinions and strategies.