Production is ramping up at the Cork-based Alcon Laboratories as the firm reports a decline of 16.5% last year in pre-tax profits to €2.3m.

Hugh Jackman is to star in 'Prisoners'.

Jeremy Irons is in final negotiations to join the cast of 'Beautiful Creatures'.

Food and drinks giant Nestle has posted a full-year net profit of 9.5bn Swiss francs (€7.9bn) that reflected stronger-than-expected sales growth of 7.5% - but it predicted a tough year ahead.

NOVARTIS is slashing 2,000 jobs in Switzerland and the US to keep costs under control in the face of growing price pressures and the strong Swiss franc, the Swiss drugmaker said yesterday.

Kit-Kat to Haagen Dazs firm Nestle today turned in a weaker underlying performance for 2010 as soaring commodity prices ate into profit margins.

US food giant Kraft stepped up its pursuit of UK rival Cadbury today by pledging to sweeten the cash part of its £10bn (€11.14bn) takeover offer.

Nestlé secured a multi-billion dollar boost today after selling its stake in an eye care firm it acquired for $280m (€195m) in 1977.

The US government is to investigate problems connected with laser eye-correcting surgery, which include blurred vision and dry eyes.

ELAN has taken legal action against a US company over its alleged misuse of a drug patent currently owned by the Irish pharmaceutical firm.

THERE were calls last night for an emergency package to stimulate employment in Cork after the city’s second devastating jobs blow in a week.

In Cork, 186 new jobs are to be created with the expansion of Alcon Laboratories' Irish facility.

THERE was further good news on the jobs front yesterday in addition to the 450 HMH jobs.

Wall Street started the week with a mixed performance today, with many investors moving to the sidelines as they wait for quarterly profit reports.

Enterprise Minister Micheál Martin has announced plans by three multinational firms to create 215 jobs in Cork in the coming years.