A round-up of today's other stories in brief.
Brendan Mullin joins NCB
Financier Brendan Mullin is joining NCB Stockbrokers and the head of research at Davy, Robbie Kelleher, is moving to Davy's private clients unit.
Mr Mullin's investment management business Quantum Investment Capital will be merged with NCB's wealth management unit next month.
Mr Kelleher will become head of global investment strategy at Davy's private clients unit. Barry Dixon, current deputy head of research, will succeed him as head of research.
Problems at Kenmare mine
Kenmare Resources' Moma titanium mine in Mozambique is still experiencing "teething problems", the firm said yesterday.
Production has been hit by faulty equipment and power dips, leading to its operation at reduced production levels.
The company is expecting to reach full production in the next six months.
NI house prices tipped to fall 20%
Northern Ireland's house prices could drop 20 per cent by the end of the year, Ulster Bank has warned.
The bank said the North's economy would grow at its slowest rate for six years as the global financial crisis takes hold and both the public and private sectors pull in the purse strings.
Triple A rating for Anglo Irish bond
Credit ratings agency Moody's has given Anglo Irish Bank's latest covered bond issue a triple A rating.
The bonds are tied to UK commercial mortgages with an average loan-to-value ratio of 75 per cent. Moody's said the credit strength of the issuer was A1/prime-1.
Firm pays €2.4m to four executives
United Drug paid more than €2.4 million to four executive directors last year, the firm's annual report shows. Chief executive Liam Fitzgerald picked up a basic salary of €552,000 and an annual bonus of €300,000 during 2007. His total package came to more than €1.1 million. This compares to €902,000 in 2006.
Glanbia prices to rise this week
Glanbia is to increase prices to the trade for its dairy and food products this week. The price increases to be introduced are "in low double-digits" according to a spokesman for the group.
The increases were dictated by rising raw materials costs and soaring commodity prices, said chief executive of Glanbia Consumer Foods, Colin Gordon.
Gold, platinum prices hit new high
Gold and platinum prices hit an all-time high after South Africa's main precious metals mines were forced to close yesterday for lack of power, as the government said the country faced a "national electricity emergency".
The prospect of a long stoppage pushed spot bullion in London to a record of $923.4 a troy ounce, while platinum jumped to an all-time high, above $1,697 an ounce. - (Financial Times service)
Russia buys state oil firm in Serbia
Kremlin-controlled gas giant Gazprom bought 51 per cent of Serbia's NIS state oil monopoly yesterday for what a Serb minister said recently was €400 million in cash and a pledge to invest a further €500 million in the company.
Dell opens €200m plant in Poland
Computer maker Dell has officially opened its €200 million manufacturing plant in Poland, which currently employs 1,200 staff.
Up to now all of Dell's manufacturing for the European, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) markets was carried out in Limerick, where it employs 3,000 staff.
