A round-up of today's other stories in brief...
Obama meets technology leaders
US president Barack Obama has met 12 leaders from technology companies to discuss ways to work together to promote investment in US innovation and private sector job growth.
The meeting included Apple chief executive Steve Jobs, on medical leave from the company he co-founded, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, Google’s Eric Schmidt, Oracle chief Larry Ellison and other members of the Silicon Valley elite.
The talks with Mr Obama took place at a venture capitalist’s estate outside San Francisco.
“The president specifically discussed his proposals to invest in research and development and expand incentives for companies to grow and hire, along with his goal of doubling exports over five years to support millions of American jobs,” said White House spokesman Jay Carney. - (Reuters)
Norkom accepts BAE’s €217m offer
BAE’s offer for financial software firm Norkom has become unconditional after it received acceptances representing about 84 per cent of Norkom’s shares.
In January, Dublin-based Norkom announced it agreed a €217 million cash offer with the UK-based defence and security company. BAE subsequently acquired 13.2 million Norkom shares.
Mivan to fit out Islamic prayer hall
Specialist Northern Ireland construction group Mivan has won a contract worth £10 million to fit out the prayer hall at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies in the UK,
writes Francess McDonnell.
Its chief executive Ivan McCabrey said the firm’s track record, including its work on the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, had helped it win the business.
Polish approval for sale of AIB stake in Bank Zachodni WBK
AIB moved closer to almost-complete state ownership yesterday after Polish authorities approved the sale of its 70 per cent stake in Bank Zachodni WBK.
Under the terms of the Credit Institutions Stabilisation Bill, the Government’s convertible non-voting shares will now be changed to ordinary shares, giving the State 92.8 per cent of the shares in the bank.
Yesterday’s announcement paves the way for Santander to acquire 100 per cent of BZ WBK. The Spanish bank announced plans to purchase the remaining shares in the bank earlier this month.
