A suspicious package addressed to Deutsche Bank chief Josef Ackermann contained a fully functional bomb, German authorities say.

GERMAN banks are preparing for losses of as much as 60% on their Greek government debt holdings as European officials push for more private-investor involvement in a rescue of the debt-stricken country.

FEARS about the future of the euro yesterday led to the currency collapsing to its lowest level since the fall of Lehman Brothers, while Irish shares fell almost 4%.

Government regulators from the US and Europe laid out their financial reform plans today before a sceptical banking industry, asking financiers for input but adamant that change was coming with or without their support.

JAKE WHITE ends his reign as South Africa coach ready to consider a host of job offers — including from Guinness Premiership clubs and a fourth division Welsh side.

New Zealand and South Africa have received injury setbacks ahead of Saturday’s Tri-Nations clash at Christchurch.

New Zealand and South Africa have both suffered injury setbacks ahead of Saturday’s Tri-Nations clash in Christchurch.

SPRINGBOK wing Bryan Habana scored a try two minutes into injury-time to lead the Northern Bulls to a thrilling win over the Coastal Sharks for their first Super 14 title.

Germany’s top banker and five co-defendants were acquitted of criminal charges today over payments to executives during a high-profile 2000 telecom takeover battle.

Germany’s most powerful banker lashed out against the country’s justice system today as he went on trial on charges he improperly approved executive bonuses and retirement packages worth millions in a high-profile telecoms takeover.

Germany’s most powerful banker went on trial today accused of improperly approving large executive payments during a high-stakes takeover deal that has focused the nation’s attention on boardroom behaviour.

A German court has ordered five former officials of the Mannesmann mobile phone company to stand trial over their roles in the 2000 takeover of Mannesmann by Vodafone.

German prosecutors have filed charges against six people in connection with the 2000 takeover of Germany’s mobile phone operator Mannesmann by Vodafone.

Deutsche Bank chairman Josef Ackermann has called on the European banking industry to face up to the threat of US banking dominance by setting up a number of cross border mergers.

Charges are likely soon following an inquiry into whether illegal payments were made in the takeover of German mobile phone company Mannesmann by British rival Vodafone, a lawyer for a top union official who is under investigation said today.