Abbey National/Credit Suisse: bailing out insurance

The day after the UK's FSA moved to reassure investors about the safety of the life and pensions sector, two more life insurers were forced to turn to their parents for funding. Although insurance companies claim they can withstand further equity falls, many are likely to be forced into strong measures, including capital injections and redemption penalties - or even closing to new business.

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Antisoma/Roche: a powerful alliance

Roche will take over the development of Antisoma's oncology products, including lead drugs Pentumomab and Therex. The deal, which could be worth over $500 million, should benefit both companies. It plugs gaps in Roche's near-term R&D pipeline, while giving Antisoma the benefit of Roche's development and marketing expertise.

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Barry Callebaut: double chocolate

The Swiss company is moving into consumer chocolate manufacturing by buying Stollwerck, Germany's third largest manufacturer. The country is the second largest market for chocolate in Europe, but competition is hard and only slow market growth is expected. On the plus side, the deal should bring real cost savings

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Bolero.net: boosted by Danzas

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Car leasing: operational leasing to take 12.7% of Swiss fleet market

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Chugai/Roche: the best of both worlds

Chugai and Roche's merger has come at an important time for the Japanese pharmaceutical industry. As regulatory changes make it easier for western drugs and drug-makers to enter, Japanese pharma companies are facing fewer opportunities to benefit from in-licensing. As a result, innovation is becoming vitally important for domestic growth.

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Citigroup: beating the Swiss at their own game

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Credit cards: Swiss are eager for plastic

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Credit Suisse: aiming for the Asian affluent

Integrating offline distribution channels with online channels is nothing new, even in the stale private banking industry. However, CSPB's approach of true customer-centric design - combined with the recognition that Asia-Pacific customers have different needs from the wealthy elsewhere - provides it with important differentiation in the market.

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Credit Suisse: babies and bathwater

Credit Suisse this week announced more job cuts as part of its ongoing reorganization in a bid to boost profits. The cuts this time come in its stronghold Swiss private banking business, and have raised fears about damaging the most profitable part of its business. The firm will have to be careful to avoid losing lucrative clients with its departing relationship managers.

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