GM foods: EU agreement doesn't allay consumer fears

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German finance: charge/credit card market set to increase

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Gasunie: splitting up as competition hots up

As part of the transition towards a fully competitive gas market in the Netherlands, Gasunie is to split into two separate trading companies run by Exxon and Shell, and a government-owned network operator. Gasunie has already had to face strong competition from new entrants, and the new trading units will face an even tougher environment as the market fully opens in 2004.

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Gas procurement: a retail led path

The Anglo-Dutch gas pipeline will be a key route for continental gas imported into the UK. Centrica [CNA] is to take 8bcm per year from Gasunie through the BBL, in addition to agreeing a recent 1bcm fixed price contract with Statoil [STL.OL]. Fixed price contracts are particularly appealing right now as a tool to guard against future price volatility and protect margins.

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Fuel duty: a fitting cap?

Media reports have indicated that the Dutch government is expected to announce a freeze on fuel duty rises in 2006. Meanwhile, pressure on the French government to make a similar gesture is growing. However, while fuel tax manipulation might prove beneficial in the short-term, motorists need to confront the reality of a future with less and less oil.

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Frans Maas: seeing red

Frans Maas has revealed surprisingly poor 2004 results. The company has swung to a net loss from a net profit in 2003 due to exceptional charges and a disappointing performance in Spain and France. However, the Dutch operator is not the first foreign logistics operator to have a tough time in these markets.

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Fortis: the fine line between hunter and prey

Fortis' Q1 profits have reached E831 million, ahead of expectations. However, these expectations were low following a series of profit warnings. Fortis' fate will now be decided on whether it can keep beating the economic downturn and deliver its promised 12% yearly profits as the next round of mergers begins in European financial services.

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Fortis: no Swiss or Brits please

Fortis' CEO has said that the firm will not merge with UK or Swiss candidates. A merger between equals remains one of the core parts of the Belgo-Dutch bancassurer's strategy, but Mr Van Rossum prefers candidates from the eurozone. A German or French player would fit better with his business model.

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Fortis: cautious optimism

Fortis [FOR] has spun off Assurant, its US-based insurance arm, leaving it to focus on its core Benelux markets and expansion in Europe and Asia through partnerships and minority holdings. Although the weak dollar makes the timing of the move unfortunate, Fortis's cautious strategy should pay dividends in the future.

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Forecourt mPayments: the Dutch lead the way

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