Yukos: Russia set to invade Europe

While there are many bidders for BP's surplus German oil businesses, Yukos is one of the frontrunners to purchase the 650 service stations and 45% share in a refinery. Yukos has earmarked $2 billion towards improving its position in western European refining and retailing. Alongside fellow Russian firm Lukoil, Yukos is definitely a company to watch.

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Yello's organic growing pains

It may have taken six years, but Yello has just crept back into the black and recorded a small profit for Q2 2004. The energy retailer took on the German market with a striking price message and managed to acquire 1 million customers in six years. However, they came at a high price and as Datamonitor's Daniel Legg explains, there are better ways to make money in energy retail...

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Yello Strom: from red to black by 2005

The newly installed CEO of EnBW, Utz Claasen, has warned that Yello Strom, its residential subsidiary, must reach profitability by 2005. While its current losses and faltering acquisition strategy make the goal look unreasonable, upcoming market changes could leave Yello in a strong position.

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Wyeth: positive Aprela results bode well for planned portfolio strategy

Wyeth has announced new positive Phase III data for its menopause treatment Aprela. The potential blockbuster is well positioned to provide a unique approach to the treatment of menopausal symptoms in women at risk of developing osteoporosis, and assuming regulatory hurdles can be overcome, Aprela will help further maintain Wyeth's position as a leading women's health player.

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Woolworth: brighter future beckons upon buyout talks

Germany's Woolworth is set to change hands yet again. PE investor Cerberus is reportedly interested in both the retailer's real estate and taking over the operating business as a going concern. However, the company will have a job on its hands if it is to successfully turn around the underperforming chain in Germany's tough retail climate.

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Wireless gaming: almost a fifth of the UK adult population partake

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Wingas right to question the competitiveness of long-term contracts

Germany's Wingas has questioned the paradoxical practice of moving to a liberalized energy market but still allowing suppliers to maintain long-term contracts. Wingas' objection is justified as the context of such long-term contractual arrangements has moved on and, as Datamonitor's Salman Wasti argues, other, less anti-competitive options are available.

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Wind blows strongly towards long-term offshore services for Siemens

Siemens has won a contract to supply 80 turbines to a 288MW offshore project in Germany situated near the North Sea. This marks the first-ever offshore project with a long-term service level agreement in Europe, indicating the emergence of a new trend towards flexible service packages combined with equipment capability.

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Wincanton: further European momentum required

Wincanton has reported strong revenue and profit growth in its interim results. Operations within continental Europe have continued to prosper, vindicating the company's initially cautious approach to the market. However, faced with ongoing consolidation, Wincanton may need to make further progress in Europe if it is to maintain its competitive position.

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Will Europe follow the US's lead on Chinese solar panel imports?

The US Department of Commerce has found the Chinese government to have been "unfairly" subsidizing its solar panel manufacturing industry, and is imposing punitive tariffs on imports of this technology from the country. It is yet to be seen whether Europe will follow suit.

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