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Bloomberg Companies in Germany used government support to compensate lost wages for a record 7.3 million employees in May, according to the Ifo Institute. A state scheme designed to prevent widespread dismissals initially saw applications for more than 10 million workers in March and April. As companies fought to survive the economic fallout from the pandemic, 72% of their staff ...

Bloomberg France will push on with tax-cut plans and broad economic overhauls to help the country rebound from a recession that will be deeper than previously anticipated, Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said. The economy will shrink 11% this year, more than the 8% previously predicted. Le Maire said that means France must continue with emergency support and pro-business reforms, ...

Bloomberg Pandora A/S, which makes more pieces of jewellery than any other company in the world, will stop relying on newly mined gold and silver and instead use only recycled precious metals. The new policy, which takes effect in 2025, will help the Copenhagen-based company beef up its climate credentials and make it a more appealing target for investors eager ...

Bloomberg The number of Spaniards filing for jobless claims rose in May at a much slower pace than the previous two months, a sign that businesses are getting back to work as Spain gradually lifts its strict lockdown measures. Claims rose by 26,573, the Labour Ministry said on Tuesday. But some sectors saw an increase in hiring, including construction, and ...

ABU DHABI / WAM The central bank of the UAE has revealed that the gross assets of banks operating in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have risen to around AED2.897 trillion, by the end of April, accounting for 92 percent of total banking assets in the country, which are estimated at AED3.156 trillion. Dubai banks’ assets amounted to AED1.489.2 trillion, according ...

RAS AL KHAIMAH / WAM Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries, Julphar, on Monday announced the launch of its AED500 million ($136.13 million) rights issue as the company progresses on its ambitious turnaround plan. The rights issue is set to improve the company’s capital position and debt profile and will provide the financial foundation for the successful implementation of the company’s medium-term growth strategy, ...

ABU DHABI / WAM The Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad), broke ground for a new dedicated Truck Plaza, comprising refuelling and rest facilities with the Industrial Zone. The project was introduced to HH Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office, during his visit to Kizad to ...

RIYADH / WAM Forces of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen on Monday intercepted and destroyed two Saudi-bound drones launched by the Houthi militia in Yemen, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). In a statement, the coalition’s official spokesperson, Colonel Turki Al Malki said, “Coalition forces have successfully intercepted and destroyed on Monday two UAVs launched by the terrorist ...

Abu Dhabi / Emirates Business Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), the UAE’s leading national entity spearheading global development projects, has announced an AED 1 billion initiative to support national companies during the Covid-19 pandemic. The initiative, which lasts for the duration of 2020, provides concessionary loans for national companies operating in sectors crucial to the UAE economy – such ...

Abu Dhabi / Emirates Business Etihad Airways launched ‘Etihad Wellness’, an expanded and more comprehensive health and hygiene programme and customer guide. This builds on the stringent measures already put in place by the airline to deal with Covid-19. The programme will be championed by the introduction of specially trained Wellness Ambassadors, a first in the industry, who will provide ...