Today's other stories in brief

Dell to factory install Google software

Google and Dell have reached an agreement for the leading personal computer maker to factory-install a package of Google software on its systems, shoring up a test-run between the two companies, two sources close to the deal said yesterday.

In a potential blow to Microsoft, Google will incorporate its desktop software, which integrates a number of personal computing applications, a Google tool bar and a co-branded internet home page on Dell computers, one source said.

The two companies confirmed in February a test to install Google's software package, which would allow PC customers to search both the public web and local information stored on their computers.

Banks back Irish Cape Verde deal

Two Portuguese banks are set to back a €30 million Irish-led property investment scheme in the Cape Verde islands of Africa's west coast.

Cork-based Cape Verde Developments, which is building holiday apartments and golf courses in Cape Verde, has been in talks with Banco Comercial Atlantico and Banco Comercial de Negras, and a number of other European financial institutions.

Cape Verde Developments is spending an initial €30 million on its apartment and resort projects, but has said it ultimately plans to invest a total of €2.5 billion on the islands.

Since it began operating last year, it has sold over 1,400 apartments to private Irish investors, mainly from Cork and Kerry.

Yesterday it said that it had signed an exclusive deal with golfer Ernie Els to design a number of courses on the islands.

West Cork businessman, Tom Sheehy and quantity surveyor, Edward Cotter, are the main figures behind Cape Verde Developments.

Elan hopeful of US Tysabri approval

Pharmaceutical group Elan is hopeful that it will get the green light to begin selling multiple sclerosis treatment, Tysabri, in the US by the end of next month.

Speaking at the company's annual general meeting in Dublin yesterday, chief executive, Kelly Martin, told shareholders that the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) would decide in June on whether or not to allow Elan and its partner, Biogen, to begin selling the drug again.

Speaking after the meeting yesterday, Mr Martin said he and his colleagues were "hopeful" of getting FDA approval. "All the indications are very positive," he said.

'Daily Mail' group profits rise 7%

Daily Mail and General Trust, which owns or co-owns three titles in Ireland, has reported a 7 per cent rise in pre-tax profits and improving display advertising at its national newspapers.

The company owns the Daily Mail Irish edition and Ireland on Sunday, through its subsidiary Associated Newspapers. It also has a stake in the freesheet title Metro, which is distributed in Dublin and surrounding areas.