Vienna International Professional Services Industry News

Read the latest headlines about developments in the international service industry in Vienna and Austria

New Head for Bank Austria´s CEE Division

Gianni Franco Papa designated to head Bank Austria’s CEE operations. The experienced manager is responsible for the Group’s planned growth.

December 15, 2010

Complaint of Unconstitutionality against Securities Capital Gains Tax

Austria banks and investment companies file a complaint before the Constitutional Court against the as of next year introduced tax on securities capital gains.

December 14, 2010

Madoff Affair: Accused Defend Themselves

The accused Sonja Kohn and Stefan Zapotocky defend themselves vehemently against accusations and allegations. Both are, according to the accusation, part of the Madoff system.

December 14, 2010

Demands against the Hypo Group Amount up to € 300m

The investigation team appointed for the Hypo Group has determined property damages for over 300m. This amount is the basis for eventual claims.

December 14, 2010

Vienna Stock Exchange: Winners and Losers (2010-12-14)

Daily News-Flash from then Vienna Stock Exchange: Upgrades & Downgrades, Winners & Losers.

December 14, 2010

Extensive Refinancing Needs by Austrian Banks

Due to the maturity of large loan volumes, Austria's banks will need at least € 20bn next year.

December 14, 2010

Contradictions about Sanader's Connection to Carinthia

The connection between the former Croatian Prime Minister Sanader and the Carinthian Hypo Group is multifaceted, but also full of contradictions.

December 14, 2010

Government Support for the Hypo Group

The Hypo Group is still far away the end of restructuring. Losses between € 700m and € 900m are expected for this year. The state gives a guarantee for 500m.

December 13, 2010

Vienna Stock Exchange: Tax on Securities Gains Damages Austrian Economy

Massive disadvantages for Austrian companies because of financing made more difficult are feared by the members of the of the Vienna Stock Exchange board, Michael Buhl and Heinrich Schaller.

December 13, 2010

Madoff Proceedings: Billion Lawsuit against Bank Austria

The former chairman of Bank Medici, Sonja Kohn, is said to have managed the Madoff system for years. A lawsuit has been filed from the US.

December 13, 2010

Vienna Stock Exchange: Winners and Losers (2010-12-13)

Daily News-Flash from the Vienna Stock Exchange: Upgrades & Downgrades, Winners & Losers.

December 13, 2010

The Croatia-Connection of the Hypo Group

The recent arrest of former Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader casts shadows on the Carinthian Hypo Group.

December 10, 2010

Difficult Times for Austrian Investors in Zagreb

The plan of an Austrian group of investors to build the largest shopping center in Europe in the Croatian capital threatens to fail.

December 10, 2010

Is Austria a Risk Country?

Due to its engagement in Eastern Europe, Austria is partially considered as a potential risk country. Lack of understanding for this assessment is shown by Austria.

December 10, 2010

Economic Chamber: No More Credit Crunch for Austria’s Businesses

A study by the Austrian Economic Chamber shows the high level of satisfaction of local businesses with their banks: the credit crunch has disappeared.

December 10, 2010

Vienna Stock Exchange: Winners and Losers (2010-12-10)

Daily News Flash from the Vienna Stock Exchange: Upgrades & Downgrades, Winners & Losers.

December 10, 2010

Vienna Stock Exchange: Winners and Losers (2010-12-09)

Daily News-Flash from the Vienna Stock Exchange: Upgrades & Downgrades, Winners & Losers

December 9, 2010

Conwert Appoints Volker Riebel as New CEO

Chairman of the Administrative Board, Johannes Meran: “With Mr. Riebel, we won an internationally recognised real estate professional as CEO.”

December 9, 2010

Volksbanken: State Aid to be Repaid

The Austrian Volksbanken (ÖVAG) will reportedly pay back more than the agreed € 300m of state aid in 2010.

December 8, 2010

Bavaria: "Hypo-Sale was Correct"

The issue Hypo Alpe Adria preoccupies not only the Austrian justice: Bavaria's Prime Minister Horst Seehofer defended the sale to Austria.

December 8, 2010

Austrian National Bank: Credit Shortage Has Been Overcome

The analysis of the Oesterreichische Nationalbank (OeNB, Austrian National Bank) on loan growth shows slowly recovering credit dynamics in Austria.

December 8, 2010

Financing Requirements for Building Societies

According to Basel-III regulations Austrian building societies will require amounts in the hundreds of millions to equip themselves with sufficient equity.

December 8, 2010

Vienna Stock Exchange: Winners and Losers (2010-12-07)

Daily News-Flash from the Vienna Stock Exchange: Upgrades & Downgrades, Winners & Losers.

December 7, 2010

Raiffeisen Bank International's direct bank Zuno launches in Slovakia

Zuno, which target Internet-focused customers, launches operations in Slovakia. Additional CEE countries will follow in 2011.

December 6, 2010

Vienna Stock Exchange: Winners and Losers (2010-12-06)

Daily News-Flash from the Vienna Stock Exchange: Upgrades & Downgrades, Winners & Losers.

December 6, 2010

Vienna Insurance Group Expands in Albania

The Acquisition of Interalbanian by the biggest Austrian Insurance company is successfully completed.

December 6, 2010

New Regulations for Bank Managers' Bonuses

Additional compensations for managers in the banking sector are subject to new regulations approved by the Austrian National Council. Payments will be deferred in time.

December 5, 2010

Hypo Group: Motives for Purchase of BayernLB Unexplained

In 2007, when the Carinthian Hypo Group Alpe Adria was sold to the BayernLB, there were many critical technical opinions. The Bavarians bought despite them.

December 5, 2010

Passing On of Bank Information: FMA Defends Itself

Since, according to Wikileaks, the Austrian Financial Market Authority (FMA) has passed on bank data to the U.S., a position has been taken about the issue.

December 5, 2010

Michaelis Leaves Austria's State Holding Company

The contract of Peter Michaelis, Chairman of The State Holding Company OIAG, expires in June 2011. There is disagreement over the succession in the government.

December 3, 2010

Triple-A Rating: Treichl vs. Nowotny

The Chairman of the Erste Group is not convinced anymore by Austria's financial policy; the Governor of the National Bank however, still stands on "AAA".

December 3, 2010

Stable Recovery of Austrian Economy

The Oesterreichische Nationalbank (OeNB, Austrial National Bank) is assuming a growth of the economy of 1.9% for 2010. Further acceleration is possible for subsequent years.

December 3, 2010

Vienna Stock Exchange: Winners and Losers (2010-12-03)

Daily News-Flash from the Vienna Stock Exchange: Upgrades & Downgrades, Winners & Losers.

December 3, 2010

Vienna Stock Exhange: Winners and Losers (2010-12-02)

Daily News-Flash from the Vienna Stock Exchange: Upgrades & Downgrades, Winners & Losers.

December 2, 2010

Equity Requirements of Austrian Banks are € 18 billion

Due to the new Basel III regulations, Austrian banks will need a much stronger capital base by 2019. The estimation is € 15 billion to € 18 billion.

December 2, 2010

U.S. Sees Money Laundering Activities at Austrian Banks

Wikileaks has published notes of the U.S. Embassy in Vienna. There were allegedly money exchanges between Austrian banks and criminals.

December 2, 2010

Bawag is Profitable Again

The Austrian bank Bawag PSK, now owned by the U.S. fund Cerberus, is to have profits again this year: € 100m are expected.

December 2, 2010

aws is Commited to the Promotion of Technology

The Austrian development bank aws (austria wirtschaftservice) provides staffing and strategic action steps in order to implement innovative and technological trends.

December 1, 2010

Vienna Stock Exchange: Winners and Losers (2010-12-01)

Daily News-Flash from the Vienna Stock Exchange: Upgrades & Downgrades, Winners & Losers.

December 1, 2010

Kaufmann Group Builds for € 130 Million in Zagreb

The real estate Kaufmann group from Linz starts its second major project in the Croatian capital. The investment volume amounts to € 130 million.

November 30, 2010

Erste Group is Holding Repayment of Public Funds

The participation capital granted by the State following the bank crisis will only be paid back by the Erste Group after specifications of Basel III are set.

November 30, 2010

The Budget is Finally Set

After weeks of discussions about the 2011Austrian Federal Budget, the final details were announced today. There are very few amendments to the original project.

November 30, 2010

Vienna Stock Exchange: Winners and Losers (2010-11-30)

Daily News-Flash from the Vienna Stock Exchange: Upgrades & Downgrades, Winners & Losers.

November 30, 2010

Massive Lay Offs at Hypo Group

The still ailing Carinthian bank restructures the leasing division. 500 jobs are being cut.

November 30, 2010

Bank Austria: Growth Potential for Real Estate in Romania and Bulgaria

Despite the signs of economic revival, Bulgaria and Romania markets are still largely being ignored by international investors, says Bank Austria.

November 29, 2010

Government Adapts Capital Gains Tax on Securities

Taxation will be implemented from October 1; loss compensation is allowed. There are no essential changes however.

November 29, 2010

Vienna Stock Exchange: Winners and Losers (2010-11-26)

Daily News Flash from the Vienna Stock Exchange: Upgrades & Downgrades, Winners & Losers.

November 26, 2010

Vienna Insurance Group Takes a 100% Stake in TBIH

VIG now realizes an increased involvement in Turkey, Ukraine and Georgia.

November 26, 2010

Uniqa Records Sharp Rise in Premiums and Profit

Premiums went up by 10.2% to €4,655 m. Life insurance drives growth, with premiums up by 18.7% Profit increases by 142.7% to €103 m.

November 26, 2010

Polbank: Intesa Bids, Raiffeisen Still in the Race

In the battle for the takeover of the Polish private bank Polbank, the Italian Intesa has already placed a bid. No comments are being made by Raiffeisen.

November 25, 2010