Websites: room for improvement

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Vodafone: when Irish ears are smiling

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Vernalis: Frovelan concerns a headache for shareholders

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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.

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Topaz: re-branding will create opportunities for the future

Irish energy giant Topaz is currently re-branding all of its service stations and has plans to radically expand its business. Given that this will bring investment in areas such category managers, inventories and supply chain strategy, and the fact that the Topaz brand is less recognizable than fuel retailers such as Shell, Topaz is well placed to expand into standalone convenience retail outlets.

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Testing times for Tysabri

Biogen Idec and Elan have announced the voluntary suspension from sale and withdrawal from clinical trials of Tysabri, the companies' novel therapy for the treatment of relapse remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). This move has already slashed share prices of both companies. Even if Tysabri is relaunched with some form of black-box warning, doubts will surely linger over its long-term safety.

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Superquinn: owners want out

Supermarket group Superquinn has swung back into profit, after its acquisition by Irish consortium Select Retail Holdings in 2005. The company's improved situation has prompted the consortium of investors to enlist Goldman Sachs ahead of a potential sale. Although Superquinn represents a prime acquisition opportunity for the major chains, the economic climate may yet delay the sale.

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Starbucks: responding to downturn with two new measures

Starbucks is to shed 75% of its stores in Australia, following difficulty penetrating the country's coffee market, and provide free top-ups in the UK and Ireland in recognition of a consumer downturn. Although these moves could be seen to be a reversal of the company's global aims and premium image, they should allow Starbucks to provide greater value for money during tough economic conditions.

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Starbucks: a shot in the arm for Fairtrade

As part of its strategic overhaul, US coffee chain Starbucks has announced that all of its espresso-based beverages in the UK and Ireland will be fair trade by the end of 2009, ostensibly helping 100,000 farmers globally. However, the commercial value of the move is questionable as it may lead to increased prices when consumers can least afford them.

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SSE: looking to grow presence in Ireland

Scottish & Southern Energy is reported to be in the process of lining up a bid for Energia. The UK energy supplier already has a small presence in Ireland, and an acquisition would be a much easier way of gaining market share than organic growth. However, rumors are also circulating that Vattenfall could be interested in acquiring Scottish & Southern Energy.

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