Vestas in talks with Mitsubishi over possible strategic alliance

A strategic alliance between Vestas and Mitsubishi Heavy could result in Mitsubishi acquiring a 20% stake in Vestas and gaining a foothold in the European offshore market while providing finance and expertise that Vestas requires. A full takeover of the Danish company cannot be ruled out.

Published By Datamonitor

New personal care review: antibacterial silver finds new home in nail varnish

In this month's run-through of the latest launches from the personal care industry, an antibacterial silver ingredient is part of a novel formulation in the nail varnish category. In other news, a US company could court controversy with the launch of a lipstick for babies, while a soap product takes its cues from confectionery in a bid to enhance its indulgence appeal.

Published By Datamonitor

EFG International: 2012 set to be a critical year

EFG International is undergoing a significant restructure following a review of the business at the behest of its recently appointed CEO. The Swiss bank has struggled in recent years due to troubled forays into non-private banking activities, as well as poor cost management. The restructure of the group has seen it close offices and divest operations, and more announcements are likely to follow.

Published By Datamonitor

New food review: African superfruit explores popcorn possibilities

Baobab, the African superfruit also known as "monkey bread," has yet to penetrate Western markets in any significant way, but this could be set to change with the fruit appearing in two innovative launches from the popcorn and yogurt categories. This month's rundown of novel food products also sees cola being adapted for use as a fruit flavoring and a cake ingredient.

Published By Datamonitor

PLA Innovation of the Week: new yogurt drink flavored with emerging African superfruit

Published By Datamonitor

Lundbeck: the success of nalmefene is dependent upon access to treatment

Nalmefene, Lundbeck's pipeline drug designed to control and limit alcohol intake in patients with alcohol dependence, has successfully completed the first of its pivotal Phase III trials. With just one further trial slated before regulatory approval, perhaps the greatest challenge for Lundbeck will be enabling adequate provision of resources and funding for the treatment of alcohol dependence.

Published By Datamonitor

Lundbeck: moving into the MAb market through Genmab deal

CNS therapy specialist Lundbeck has signed a collaborative agreement with fellow Danish company Genmab, a specialist in monoclonal antibody development, in a deal worth up E7.5m. Lundbeck's drive to diversify its portfolio with this early-stage deal will be keenly followed by the industry, as the search for novel targets in small molecule-dominated therapy areas continues.

Published By Datamonitor

New food review: sweet and savory flavors create a harmonious mix

This month's run-down of new food launches finds some innovatively flavored products that mix sweet and savory tastes. A cheese has been launched that contains sweet Christmas cake ingredients, while a new pizza has an exotic touch with fruit and vegetable toppings. These could help to boost interest in the food market and encourage consumer curiosity.

Published By Datamonitor

New drinks review: beer breaks flavor boundaries

This month's selection of innovative new drinks products sees the launch of a variety of novel alcoholic beverages, including a wine in a pouch and beer that is designed to complement challenging food combinations. This shows the original ways in which manufacturers are attempting to gain an edge over the competition.

Published By Datamonitor

UK electricity generation: new companies will re-invigorate competition

Dong, Vattenfall and ESB, three well-known European utilities, have recently announced plans to invest in the UK generation sector, as a potential precursor to becoming retail suppliers in the country. With the soon to be confirmed acquisition of British Energy by EDF, this should help to re-invigorate the wholesale power market in the country.

Published By Datamonitor