Ahold: disappointing US figures, much work ahead

Ahold's 2006 results reveal a weak US performance and a large task ahead. Ahold's sales reached E44.9 billion, up 2% on 2005. While the Dutch retailer delivered strong growth in its domestic market, the US business, accounting for 70% of turnover, is struggling. Going forward, Ahold needs to reduce debt, return its US and Czech operations to profitability and divest its US foodservice operation.

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British Energy: eyeing eastern Europe

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Bulgarian power plant deal would make long term sense for CEZ

On the face of it the decision by the Czech Republic's CEZ to bid for a coal fired power plant in Bulgaria may appear to be a somewhat questionable strategy given Bulgaria's current lack of competitive intensity and every tightening environmental standards. However, in the longer term the deal is a much more judicious move than it might initially appear.

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Car leasing: Czech operational leasing to triple by 2005

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CEZ: Czech government looking for quick sale

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CEZ: eastern Europe feels the squeeze

The Czech Republic has positioned itself as a regional power exporter, and seeks to strengthen this position with new plant capacity. Its new export capacity may, however, be shifted away from its eastern European neighbors.

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CEZ: expanding into southeastern Europe

Czech utility CEZ aims to enhance its position as a tier one energy company by focusing on the Balkan states in southeastern Europe. The company hopes that this strategy will complement its existing activities on the Continent and boost its relatively uncompetitive scale. CEZ's strategy is especially astute, given that the growth in the Balkans' demand for energy is unmatched elsewhere in Europe.

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CEZ: grow East and prosper

Czech power utility CEZ has recently garnered considerable attention due to the strong performance of its share price. The company's ability to continue charming investors, however, hinges on its ability to grow and increase in scale to become a major European energy concern.

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CEZ: market competition feeds revenue growth

CEZ is expected to deliver higher revenues domestically from rising wholesale prices, facilitated by a series of power auctions. Further revenue growth is predicted from the convergence of higher European wholesale electricity prices, and the company's expansion into eastern Europe. These projects have underlined the attractiveness of CEZ's shares, which have risen by 172% over the last year.

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CEZ: matching the skills to the company

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