A round-up of today's other world news in brief ...

Newcourt shares rise on news of sales talk

Shares in Newcourt Group rose 25 per cent yesterday after the company confirmed it is in talks over the sale of its property subsidiary, Ely Property Group.

The talks are with a consortium of investors led by Ely founder and Newcourt director Philip Marley.

Ely is involved in the development of student accommodation in the UK.

Waterford gets extension 

Waterford Wedgwood's lenders have granted a further reprieve to the beleaguered luxury goods firm, extending for a fortnight their forbearance in respect of a test of banking covenants arising from its failure to make an €8.2 million interest payment at the start of the month.

An "interested institutional investor" is carrying out due diligence on the firm, which says any failure to obtain the forbearance would compromise its ability to continue as a going concern. It said Bank of America, as agent to the senior lenders, had confirmed the extension to January 2nd.

8,000 jobs lost at Enterprise Ireland firms

Firms supported by Enterprise Ireland shed just more than 8,000 jobs this year, with construction and construction-related sectors accounting for 65 per cent of the losses. It said software, medical devices and internationally traded services sectors contributed significantly to the 10,522 jobs created.

Providence has 'cash flow' to meet needs

Irish oil and gas exploration company Providence Resources says it has "the necessary cash flow" to meet its operational requirements.

The company said it should benefit next year from the resumption of production lost due to Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, coupled with the start of new output in the Gulf of Mexico.

The decision to enter multi- year hedge contracts at base prices of $100 a barrel for oil would enhance the cash flow position, it said.

Providence holds interests in 27 blocks off the west coast of Ireland in partnership with Exxon Mobil.

CRH chief to replace FitzPatrick at Smurfit

Smurfit Kappa Group has named CRH's Liam O'Mahony as chairman, replacing Seán FitzPatrick, who resigned last week. Mr O'Mahony, who retires as CRH chief executive on December 31st, joined Smurfit's board in March. He will relinquish the role of senior independent director at Smurfit, which will be taken by Nicanor Restrepo. - (Bloomberg)