Cipla: lobbying for more generics in South Africa

Generics maker Cipla is trying to cut a deal to supply South African mining firm Anglo American with HIV drugs. Employer provision of HIV medicine is gaining popularity in South Africa, and last year's court case created the opportunity for the government to license generic versions of patented drugs. However, it has so far been reluctant to use this power.

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EDF's nuclear internationalization plans likely to succeed

EDF's plans to invest and partner in new build nuclear capacity projects around the world are a judicious move given its status as one of the world's leading nuclear power players. However, the attractions and prospects in its four target markets vary considerably.

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Edgars Consolidated Stores: attracting further investment in South Africa

Private equity interest in South Africa has picked up pace in recent months. In January, locally-based private equity group Brait offered ZAR15 billion for supermarket chain Shoprite and yesterday Bain topped that with a ZAR25 billion bid for Edcon. This is the largest private equity offer ever in South Africa, but, despite the high price, the appeal of the retail group is clear.

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Exel: acquire local, build global

Exel's latest purchase will boost its global air and sea freight activities, as well as strengthen its local operations in South Africa. While some global players are following an acquisition path designed to diversify their operations across the supply chain, Exel's strategy involves building its core logistics and freight capabilities on a global scale.

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FNB uses e-wallet as bait for new customers

First National Bank in South Africa has opened its mobile banking-linked e-wallet service to non-customers. The tactic will allow FNB to gain further exposure by targeting a desirable consumer segment, while potentially luring customers away from competitors.

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Glaxo Wellcome: defending AZT in South Africa

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Global energy: EU gets nothing at summit

Developments at this month's World Summit in South Africa have left the US as the victor. No global targets or timetables were set for renewable energy; the EU and developing countries have been left to set their own. The only concrete targets the US has agreed are for sanitation. Unsurprisingly, environmentalists have been left smarting.

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GM: Delta force

General Motors [GM] has announced its intention to buy South African vehicle importer and manufacturer Delta Motor Corporation. If the purchase goes ahead, GM is likely to start manufacturing vehicles in South Africa, largely for the export market. The takeover marks another step in GM's drive for growth in 2004, yet if it wants to meet its target it must prioritize product improvements.

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HIV patents: no solution - yet

While the WTO has not yet made a breakthrough on the issue of patent-free HIV drugs for developing economies, something must be done to alleviate the human and economic cost of the HIV epidemic. Western pharma companies will inevitably lose out - the only question is how well their profit maintenance strategies can cushion the blow.

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HIV/AIDS: World Bank gives warning

The World Bank has warned the South African government of a potential long-term economic collapse if the HIV/AIDS crisis is not appropriately addressed. Although officials and analysts have criticized the World Bank's statement, this should not be an excuse for complacency on the part of the government.

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