Latest News

Allegations of Market Abuse Against ÖBB

The Austrian Federal Railways are facing another accusation by the Federal Competition Authority. Rail Cargo is said to have abused its market power.

December 17, 2010

A-Tec Quota Too Low for Creditors

The group has not defined an overall quota yet. What is certain, however, is that the current offer will be too low for the creditors.

December 17, 2010

Austria's Tax Revenues are Higher than Expected

As the economy developed relatively well this year relatively, tax revenues increased. The deficit for 2010 might therefore turn out to be lower than planned.

December 17, 2010

Beko: Sales Drop by 15%

The Austrian IT company Beko Holding AG has to accept sensitive decreases in sales and profits.

December 16, 2010

Controversies About S&T Personnel

The chairman of the Vienna-based IT services provider, Thomas Streimelweger sues the supervisory board because of his dismissal, which he allegedly offered.

December 16, 2010

Accusations Against Sanader Grow Stronger

Many clues point to improper activities by former Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader in connection with the Hypo Group.

December 16, 2010

Ottakringer expands range of products

The Austrian beverage company performed four significant acquisitions, causing Ottakringer to be also represented in the CEE region.

December 16, 2010

Inflation falls to 1.9% in November

According to calculations by Statistik Austria, the inflation rate for November 2010 was 1.9% after 2.1% in October. Price drivers are energy and housing.

December 16, 2010

Decline in sales at Siemens Austria

Sales have dropped by 20% but the profit situation is stable. Orders have improved by 14%.

December 16, 2010

voestalpine: Change in Executive Board

The Supervisory board has decided the succession of executive board member Mülner. His successor as head of the Railway Systems Division is Franz Kainersdorfer.

December 16, 2010

Bank Austria´s Economic Analysis: 2% Growth in 2011

The analysis of the Austrian economy forecasts a strong recovery. Improvements in the labour market will continue, but the positive trend weakens.

December 16, 2010

WKÖ: EU patent to stimulate Austrian innovation

The Austrian Economic Chamber (WKÖ) welcomes the enhanced cooperation for the EU-wide patent and hopes to obtain benefits for the domestic economy.

December 16, 2010

EVN Reports Growing Results

The energy provider from Lower Austria could raise its EBIT by 6.9%. EBITDA grew by 11.6%. Revenues remained stable.

December 16, 2010

Vienna Stock Exchange: Winners and Losers (2010-12-16)

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

December 16, 2010

Changes on the Management Board of Vienna International Airport

After several weeks of controversial discussions, the Supervisory Board announced Christoph Herbst as new CEO. He will succeed Herbert Kaufmann.

December 16, 2010

Intercell Raises Authorized Capital

The Management Board of the Austrian biotechnology company is authorized to increase the share capital up to a nominal amount of € 855,000.00.

December 16, 2010

More Employees in Austria, Purchasing Power and Taxes Remain High.

Austria records an employment increase of 1.2%. Purchasing power and taxes are above the international average.

December 15, 2010

SIS to be Sold to Atos Origin

The French Atos Origin Acquired Siemens IT Solutions and Services, both companies expect synergy effects. Drastic job cuts in Vienna are feared.

December 15, 2010

Russia Reaches for Volksbank International

VBI, the holding company for the Eastern interests of the Österreichischen Volksbanken, is for sale. Russian parties are interested.

December 15, 2010

JCL Logistics and Rail Cargo Austria Step into Strategic Alliance

Both logistics companies agree to establish a cooperation in groupage service. Their common target is to reach synergies in their transport network.

December 15, 2010

Allianz: Austria's Economic Production has Reached Pre-crisis Level in 2011

Strong exports and government stimulus programs enabled growth. Despite public savings constraint, Allianz expects further upward trends.

December 15, 2010

Growth Trends in Austria's Insurance Industry

The FMA report for the 3rd quarter of 2010 indicates a light growth trend for the Austrian insurance industry.

December 15, 2010

Austrian Economic Chamber is Against Euro-Bonds

Chamber President Leitl calls for an in-depth cooperation in economic policy instead of euro-bonds.

December 15, 2010

Cooperation Between Korean LG and Austrian Zumtobel

LG Innotek and Zumtobel Group conclude LED cooperation agreement.

December 15, 2010

Statistik Austria: Construction Costs Continue to Rise

Costs increase for residential and housing development construction; the index of bridge and road construction has declined however.

December 15, 2010

Bene Still Reports Losses

The Austrian manufacturer of office furniture reports an increase in sales by 10.2% in Q3 2010. Sales in Germany dropped by 18.5%. UK market perfomed well.

December 15, 2010

Vienna Stock Exchange: Winners and Losers (2010-12-15)

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

December 15, 2010

OeNB: Recovery of the Financial System in a Persistently Uncertain Environment

The OeNB considers that domestic banks benefit from the positive development in the CEE region. However, uncertainties stay on as before.

December 15, 2010

Economic Chamber: Cautious Optimism in Austrian Industry

Industrial production is at the level of 2006; exports are still below pre-crisis levels.

December 15, 2010

EVN: Changes in the Executive Board of EVN

The energy supplier located in Lower Austria announces the early retirement of Burkhard Hofer, member and spokesman of the Executive Board.

December 15, 2010

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

No competition for Austrian Post

The letter market remains under control of the Post in Austria. Despite liberalization plans, there are no interested parties on the market.

December 15, 2010

ATB Group Still Records Losses

The A-Tec division ATB publishes its results for the first nine months: declining sales and losses.

December 14, 2010

Linz AG: Decrease in Operating Profits

The Upper-Austrian energy supplier experiences a slight increase in sales. Profits declined. However, the board states to be “satisfied”.

December 14, 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

Skylink: Resignation of Executive Board or Supervisory Board

The Vienna Airport Skylink debacle is becoming a political issue. Staffing decisions have been made.

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

New Logistics Center for Gebrüder Weiss in Romania

The logistics company Gebrüder Weiss has entrusted the construction of a logistics center in Sibiu to the Unger Steel Group as general contractor again.

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

New Board Member at OMV

Supervisory Board of OMV: Manfred Leitner appointed to the OMV Executive Board with effect from April 1, 2011.

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

Serious setback for Intercell

The Vienna vaccine manufacturers has to terminate a research project unexpectedly at a late stage. Heavy losses are expected for this year.

December 14, 2010

Austrians spend about € 2.5bn on gifts

Spending propensity shows a rising trend. Cash is still the most widely means of payment.

December 14, 2010

Vienna International Airport: Plus 12.1% in passengers during November 2010

The number of passengers handled by Vienna International Airport in November 2010 rose by 12.1% year-on-year to 1,550,324.

December 14, 2010

Risk of Poverty for 12% of Austrians

By 2008, 12.4% of the Austrian populatin is threatened by poverty. The average of the EU countries amounts to 17%.

December 14, 2010

AUA: Signs of Strike

The staff is voting for strike measures. Protests are planned for after the Christmas holidays.

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

Austria Benefits from Low Loan Interest Rates

Because of low interest rates and spreads, Austria is able to get convenient financing on the loan market. Euro-bonds would mean significant costs for Austria.

December 13, 2010