Multinationals See Reputations Eroding from Tax Planning

More than three-quarters of multinational CFOs believe that exposure to the public of their corporate tax planning activity has a detrimental impact on a company’s reputation, according to a new survey.

Siemens splashes out on buyback as new CEO works on strategy

BERLIN: Siemens' new Chief Executive Joe Kaeser promised on Thursday to buy back up to 4 billion euros ($5.4 billion) worth of shares while asking investors for patience as he works out a strategy by May to close a gap with more profitable rivals.

Coca-Cola profits lose fizz in Europe

Profits at soft drink giant Coca-Cola have fallen by 15% on the back of sagging sales in the US and recession-hit Europe.

HSBC pays $4.2bn for fines and mis-selling in 2012

HSBC paid out $4.2bn (£2.8bn) last year to cover the cost of past wrongdoing. As well as $1.9bn in fines for money laundering, the bank also set aside another $2.3bn for mis-selling financial products in the UK.

Mattel raises prices after ho-hum holiday quarter

(Reuters) - Mattel Inc , the maker of Barbie dolls and Hot Wheels cars, is raising prices globally as it looks to rebound from a lackluster holiday selling season plagued by concerns about the U.S. economy.

McDonald's sales figure bounces back in August

NEW YORK (AP) — McDonald's said a key sales figure climbed 3.7 percent in August, as the fast-food chain emphasized the value of its menu offerings amid the challenging global economy.

Analysis: Apple sounds warning bell for smartphone industry

(Reuters) - If Apple Inc's weaker-than-expected quarterly result is anything to go by, the global smartphone industry is a lot more vulnerable to economic shocks these days than during the 2008-2009 financial crisis.

McDonald's showing signs of tear from economy

NEW YORK (AP) — McDonald's Corp., which has thrived in recent years by emphasizing affordability and rolling out popular new menu items, is starting to show signs of tear from the volatile global economy.

Indian companies invest more overseas in June: RBI

MUMBAI: Led by Piramal Healthcare, foreign investments by Indian companies in June rose by 50.21 per cent from the previous month to $ 3.53 billion despite a slowdown in the global economy.

Sony turnaround plan 'no great shakes': Analysts

Sony has little chance of winning back its reputation as an innovator or vaulting ahead of stronger rivals with the "ordinary" turnaround plan its new chief unveiled last week, analysts said.

Samsung, Hyundai Tell Workers to Brace for Economic Uncertainty

Jan. 2 (Bloomberg) -- Samsung Electronics Co. and Hyundai Motor Co., South Korea’s largest companies, told employees to brace for intense competition in a weak global economy as the government called for contingency planning.

Samsung buys Sony's entire stake in LCD joint venture

Samsung Electronics has agreed to buy out Sony's entire stake in their liquid crystal display (LCD) joint venture.

Gucci sales not slowing yet, has plan B ready

PARIS (Reuters) - Luxury brand Gucci has not seen any impact on its business from global economic woes but it would be prepared to react quickly and cut costs if sales slowed, its chief executive said in a newspaper interview.

Multinational investment a 'dog-eat-dog' business

Although the Montreal job market is relatively healthy, the biggest local employment story this winter has been a negative one - the decision by Electrolux of Sweden to close down its plant in the Montreal suburb of l'Assomption.

As a result of that decision on Dec. 14, more than 1,300 workers are going to lose their jobs next year. Electrolux is moving the work to Memphis, Tenn., where Electrolux is building a new plant and local and state authorities have pledged $165 million in subsidies and tax breaks.