Business report: The morning business briefing

Here’s a run down of today’s business headlines.

NEWS

28,500 retail units vacant in Ireland

The number of commercial units lying vacant across the country increased to just shy of 28,500 at the tail-end of 2014 despite the quickening pace of economic recovery.

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Fishtree lands big one: A €2.7m deal

An Irish start-up shaking up the education technology sphere on both sides of the Atlantic has landed a $3m (€2.7m) deal that will allow it expand its reach in the US.

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Bad weather sees FBD profits slip €4.5m

Insurance customers are set to foot the bill for difficult market conditions last year which cost insurer FBD badly and saw it post a €4.5m pre-tax loss.

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Bank of Ireland raises €750m through unsecured bond

Bank of Ireland raised €750m through a senior unsecured bond at a yield of 1.273%.

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Grafton strengthens UK presence with TG Lynes buy

Dublin-based builders’ merchants group Grafton has broadened its presence in the UK via the purchase of niche company TG Lynes for an undisclosed sum.

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BUSINESS ANALYSIS

Employment figures put economy on firm footing

Labour market figures published by the CSO last week for the final quarter of 2014 contained further good news on the Irish economy, writes Oliver Mangan

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FARMING

Russian dairy opportunity

Increased Russian imports of dairy products represent a post-quota opportunity for Ireland’s milk processing industry, according to one Bord Bia analyst.

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Egyptian financier wins race to buy Arab Dairy

Egyptian financial services firm Pioneers Holding has won the race to buy Egypt’s Arab Dairy for €30m, beating a rival offer from Al Nour, the market regulator said.

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