Next Plc has raised its full-year revenue and earnings forecasts as the UK’s second-biggest clothing retailer reported first-half sales that beat analysts’ estimates, helped by its push into e-commerce.

Carlsberg, the world’s fourth-largest brewer, says full-year profit declined 4.2% because of a weaker Russian market and forecast no improvement this year as sales fall in northern and western Europe.

TESCO is struggling in Ireland with sales falling 3.9% over the last four months.

PERNOD-RICARD, the owners of Jameson Irish Whiskey and Chivas Regal Scotch, said organic growth of its range of spirits and wines rose 10% in the last quarter.

THE US Food and Drug Administration last night cleared the way for production of a new drug which will lead to the creation of 150 new jobs in Cork.

AN Irish firm of solicitors has teamed up with a major American law firm to begin what could become an international class action against drug company Merck, makers of the controversial painkiller, Vioxx.