Saturday 14 June 2014

Times of Oman | Oman must break down monopolistic business regime

Times of Oman | News :: Oman must break down monopolistic business regime:



"A few giant businesses have been dominating the private sector for many years, often forcing small and medium businesses in certain sectors like construction, consultation services and supermarkets to shut down, thereby stopping wider distribution of wealth.



Big businesses also ensure that the competition is taken care of by buying out small companies, thus consolidating their hold on the economy. They have the power to hike prices, cut down employment and drive hard business bargains.



The opportunities that could have rightfully gone to customers, workers and small traders are instead availed of by a handful of shareholders, powerful executives and boards of directors.  It happened on the streets 20 years ago and now it is happening in stock purchases and merger of financial institutions."



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IPOs in Oman gather pace on investor optimism | Oman Observer

IPOs in Oman gather pace on investor optimism | Oman Observer:



"The Muscat Securities Market (MSM) witnessed significant uptick in the first six months of 2014 with many firms broadening their ownership structure through initial public offerings (IPO) and right issues.



According to figures available with the local bourse, a total of RO 350.40 million was raised by firms in the power, financial and telecommunications sectors.



“Stable business model, favourable demand side, steady cash flow and cost structure based on the contractual framework and generous dividend payments by the companies make these offering more attractive to investors”, says Suresh Kumar, Research Head at Al Maha Financial Services."



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Putin's game plan in 60 seconds - YouTube

Putin's game plan in 60 seconds - YouTube: ""



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Carney change of heart on rate rises - YouTube

Carney change of heart on rate rises - YouTube: ""



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Fitch Assigns Etisalat’s Bond Final Rating ‘A+’ | GulfNews.com

Fitch Assigns Etisalat’s Bond Final Rating ‘A+’ | GulfNews.com:



"Fitch Ratings has assigned Emirates Telecommunications Corporation’s (Etisalat) $7 billion global medium-term notes programme and the 3.15 billion-euro equivalent senior notes issued under the programme final ‘A+’ ratings. The final rating assignment follows the receipt of final documentation confirming preliminary information reviewed.



The 3.15 billion-euro equivalent notes have been issued in tranches of 2.4 billion euros and $1 billion. The euro-denominated notes will mature in 2021 (1.2 billion euros) and 2026 (1.2 billion euros), while the $-denominated notes will mature in 2019 ($0.5 billion) and 2024 ($0.5 billion).



The issue proceeds, approximately 1 billion euros higher than originally targeted by the company, are being used to refinance existing loans to fund the acquisition of Maroc Telecom (MT). This will improve Etisalat’s debt maturity profile given the fairly short tenor of these existing loans."



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