The surging price of Microsoft shares returned US tech tycoon Bill Gates back to the top of Forbes’ world’s billionaires list, with his $76bn (€55bn) beating Mexico’s Carlos Slim’s $72bn.

The Spanish owner of fashion chain Zara bucked the crisis in its domestic market today by posting a 30% jump in quarterly profits.

A BRITISH department store group is close to finalising the takeover of Roches Stores in a deal worth just under €30 million to the Cork-based retailer.

Spanish fashion chain Zara saw shares soar on its first day as a quoted company, making its founder Amancio Ortega one of Spain's richest men.