Bloomberg A revival in China’s polyester industry has produced a new billionaire. Zhuang Kuilong, chairman of textile maker and distributor Xinfengming Group Co., saw his wealth surge almost 60 percent after its shares began trading Tuesday in Shanghai. The increase gave Zhuang, who owns 45 percent of the Tongxiang-based business, a net worth of at least $1.7 billion, according ...

  Bloomberg A long-simmering trade dispute between the US and Canada over lumber is heating up, increasing the cost of building houses and causing American businesses to hunt for supplies in other countries. A detente between the normally friendly neighbors expired in October, and a new agreement isn’t on the horizon. That’s contributed to a more than 20 percent surge ...

  Bloomberg Verizon Communications Inc. is considering merger possibilities to reset the course of the company given the fast-changing structure of the industry, and would be open to talks with Comcast Corp., Walt Disney Co. or CBS Corp., said Chief Executive Officer Lowell McAdam. Verizon, the largest US wireless carrier, is seeking new sources of growth as the mobile-phone business ...

  Bloomberg European car sales in March rose to their highest level for the month as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV and Renault SA took advantage of a solid economy to lure more buyers. Benefiting from extra working days due to the Easter holiday in April this year, industrywide registrations climbed 11 percent to 1.94 million vehicles last month, the Brussels-based ...

Bloomberg Akzo Nobel NV, battling an unwanted $24 billion approach from PPG Industries Inc., will carve out its chemicals division and return 1.6 billion euros ($1.7 billion) to shareholders in a move Chief Executive Officer Ton Buechner said is more profitable than a takeover of the centuries-old paintmaker. The separation of chemicals will be carried out within 12 months and ...

  Bloomberg Markets struck a note of cautious optimism on Wednesday, with European stocks rising and haven assets declining. UK shares fell as the pound extended its gain following the surprise election announcement. Banks and automakers helped spur the rebound in Stoxx Europe 600 Index following the biggest one-day loss since November. Sterling edged higher after hitting the strongest level ...

  DUBAI / Reuters Construction-related shares underperformed Riyadh’s stock market on Wednesday because of poor first-quarter earnings, though troubled Dubai builder Arabtec jumped after shareholders approved a capital restructuring plan. Riyadh-listed Arabian Cement slid by 5 percent after reporting net profit for the three months to March 31 down 55 percent year on year, citing lower sales volumes and prices. ...

  ABU DHABI / WAM Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State, ADNOC Group CEO and Chairman of the UAE’s National Media Council, on Wednesday shared details of ADNOC’s 2030 strategy, which will deliver smart growth and long-term value and profitability, with leading local and regional media. Dr Al Jaber was speaking at the third GCC Petroleum Media ...

  Abu Dhabi / Emirates Business Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) announced a contribution of AED330 million (US$90 million) to implement development projects and programs in key sectors in Somalia, particularly infrastructure and transport. The contribution underpins efforts to improve public services, create new job opportunities and ensure stability and social development. Moreover, the AED330 million aims to help ...

  DUBAI / Emirates Business Mashreq, one of UAE’s leading financial institutions, announced the exclusive launch of Quick Remit service to Pakistan. Mashreq customers can transfer Pakistani rupees free of charge either – via MashreqOnline or Snapp and enjoy instant credit to all bank accounts in Pakistan. The new service is unique as it offers immediate transfers as opposed to ...