Aviva has appointed Mr Leslie Van de Walle as an independent non-executive director with effect from today.

North Korea said today preparations to launch its controversial satellite were complete and lift-off was imminent.

THE British Government has moved to stop an exodus of companies leaving for Ireland by pledging to cut its corporation tax rate.

A father and son are missing after a Japanese navy destroyer equipped with advanced radar ploughed into their fishing boat off the Pacific coast early today, splitting the vessel in two and hurling them into the chilly water.

BRINDLEY Advertising has retained the Government’s print advertising account for another three years.

THREE Japanese naval officers who swapped pornography on their computers triggered a scandal over a possible leak of sensitive data linked to Japan’s missile defence system.

Media executive Roger Parry today confirmed his interest in succeeding Charles Allen as chief executive of broadcaster ITV.

UniPhar Plc, a distributor of healthcare products to community and hospital pharmacies, has reported a 41% increase in profits before tax and to €15.6m for 2005.

A giant advertising company has taken court action to stop its former chief executive beginning work immediately for a rival, it emerged today.

Rentokil Initial returned to the acquisition trail today with the £80m (€116m) proposed takeover of America’s fourth largest pest control company.

A CONSORTIUM of investors has pumped e14 million into a television station due to launch this year.

The US military is investigating a video clip that appeared on the internet purporting to show Western security contractors firing at Iraqi civilian vehicles, a spokesman said yesterday.

FRENCH financier Vincent Bollore has acquired over a quarter of the shares in British media buying firm Aegis, his company said at the weekend.

Sugar group Tate & Lyle helped London’s leading shares end the week on a high note today amid relief over the impact of EU sugar reforms.

Relief over the impact of EU sugar reforms and a recovery for property stocks kept the FTSE 100 Index on an even keel today.

Advertising giant WPP tonight declared its interest in buying Aegis, the media and marketing group facing a possible £1.6bn (€2.34bn) takeover.

Potential blows to the profits of the UK’s heavyweight companies kept investors away from the London market today.

The London market lost sight of its recent milestones today as investors fretted over a warning from oil giant BP that storm damage may harm its profits.

British media and marketing specialist Aegis today became the latest focus of takeover interest after confirming it had received an approach worth £1.57bn (€2.32bn).

BRINDLEY Advertising, which holds the lucrative Government print advertising account, has been sold to a British firm in a deal worth up to €12 million.

A SURGE in advertising sales at the Irish Examiner helped fuel a 20% increase in first-half advertising revenue in the country’s major national newspapers.

A wave of profit taking pushed the London market into negative territory today and away from another three-year high.

The London market was heading towards a third consecutive week of gains today on the back of more good news in the banking sector.

A controversial British security firm awarded a lucrative contract in Iraq defended itself tonight in the wake of damning criticism by US inspectors.

Mining stocks were the talk of the London market today as the FTSE 100 Index languished in negative territory.

The FTSE 100 Index was within striking distance of the 5000 barrier today, after soaring to its highest level since June 2002.

UK media buyer Aegis today trimmed expectations for spending in the advertising industry but said the outlook for the sector remained healthy.

Healthcare distributor UniPhar has seen a 21% increase in pre-tax profits to €9.3m for the year ended December 25, 2003.

President George W Bush today ignored objections from Beijing and offered breakaway island Taiwan a wide arsenal of military equipment, including submarines, to combat a Chinese invasion threat.

US President George W Bush has deferred Taiwan’s request to buy US destroyers equipped with hi-tech combat radar.