Elan: trying to save a would-be blockbuster

The temporary suspension, on reports of worrying side effects, rocked shareholder confidence in Ireland's largest public company. Investors fear that one of Elan's two lead compounds may never generate revenue. The company may be able to save AN-1792, in which case it could still be a blockbuster drug - but the risks attached are high.

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ePower: rough ride for new entrant in Ireland

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ESB divestiture: too little too late

Ireland's incumbent power utility, ESB, has spent years trying to stave off a break-up. Together with the Irish Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), the company instituted a system of virtual power plant auctions to help Ireland comply with the letter of the EU Electricity Directive, if not the spirit. But it seems this will not be enough to prevent a new round of dramatic changes for ESB.

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ESB: an Anglo-Irish agreement

Increasing interconnection with the UK will bring further opportunities for ESB in the UK market, with the new contract with Smartest Energy the first steps towards this. An integrated UK-Ireland market will give ESB the opportunity to expand and manage its own portfolio more effectively across a larger market.

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EU electricity: regional market merger will benefit Irish generators

The future merger of the Irish and British electricity markets is reliant upon the EU supporting a new Interconnector between Ireland and Wales. The merging of markets will have ramification for both countries, with the formerly isolated Irish generators facing future competition from the streamlined British utilities.

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European forecourts: exploiting the 'off home' trade

The Irish licensing board recently approved Esso's fourteenth off-license enabling it to add alcohol to its non-fuel offering on the forecourt. With an increase in at-home alcohol consumption in Ireland, as in much of Europe, stocking this product category looks certain to pay off for Esso. Other fuel players already in on the act should look to make further investment in the area.

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European power: Ireland writing Interconnector wish list

In an upcoming green paper, the Irish government is expected to call for greater interconnectivity between Ireland and Britain. While smaller EU states such as Ireland would undoubtedly benefit from greater connectivity with their neighbors, through lower domestic energy prices, this obviously has to be balanced with imperatives to ensure their own security of supply and generation portfolio.

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Exel: increasing its Accenture

Exel is partnering again with Accenture, to improve and develop better control and visibility of its European freight finance function. As manufacturers outsource more and more of their business to logistics providers (among others), it's becoming clear that logistics firms can find improvements and success in outsourcing their own operations.

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First-e: bleak future for jilted eBank

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First-e: the end of a bad trip

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