A round-up of today's other stories in brief
Europe more optimistic, says Almunia
Europe is beginning the year with more optimism, based on stronger economic indicators showing recovery is under way, European Monetary Affairs Commissioner Joaquin Almunia said yesterday.
"There are economic elements for this recovery of optimism," Mr Almunia told a forum in Madrid.
Indicators of both consumer and investor confidence in the European Union showed much stronger confidence in the economic outlook than they did a year ago, he said. - (Reuters)
Thomas Cook denies sale reports
Travel Group Thomas Cook yesterday dampened speculation that it is gearing up to sell Irish-based Sunworld and other elements of its business.
Reports yesterday and at the weekend claimed that a review of the group's business by accountants Ernst & Young could lead to a sale of Sunworld and Club 18-30.
However, a spokeswoman said that these were based on rumour and speculation, and that the Ernst & Young review was a "normal part of the business".
Energia wins Pizza Hut contract
Energia, the energy supply arm of Viridian, has won the contract to supply power to the international pizza restaurant Pizza Hut.
The deal is believed to be worth around €380,000 annually and will see Energia supply 20 Pizza Hut restaurants North and South. The electricity will come from the 343- megawatt power station in Huntstown, north Co Dublin.
Ormonde releases drilling results
Ormonde Mining has reported phase two drilling results from its La Zarza gold and copper project in southern Spain.
A further five holes were completed with several showing above-average grades of copper and gold. Results from ongoing metallurgical test work also pointed to the commercial potential of the project.
Aga reports 'excellent' year
Kitchen equipment maker Aga Foodservice issued an upbeat trading statement yesterday on the back of success in selling its iconic cookers overseas. The firm said it had an "excellent" year in the Irish market following the acquisition of Waterford Stanley, the range cooker and stoves manufacturer for €13.8 million last June. - (PA)
Gartmore raises Conroy stake
Gartmore Investment Management has acquired a further 550,000 shares in Conroy Diamonds & Gold to take its shareholding in the company to 14.26 per cent. The shares were bought at a price of 5.9 pence each.
African Diamonds finalises placing
African Diamonds has finalised a share placing to raise nearly £4.5 million sterling from institutional investors. The funds will be used to expand the company's exploration and development activities in Botswana.
Germany may raise forecast
The German government is discussing raising its 2006 economic growth forecast to 1.4 per cent from its predecessor's prediction of 1.2 per cent, a government source said yesterday.
The new forecast would be below a prediction made by Economy Minister Michael Glos at the beginning of January that Europe's largest economy could see gross domestic product grow between 1.5 and 1.8 per cent in 2006. - (Reuters)
