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One dead in Zurich train collision

This content was published on Oct 25, 2003 Police said around 45 others were injured in the crash which occurred during Friday evening’s rush hour. Police said a 22-year old woman from the Czech Republic was killed in the crash which happened near Zurich-Oerlikon station. The exact cause of the collision is not yet known, but Walter Kobelt, who is heading investigations into…

US pleased with outcome of donor conference

This content was published on Oct 24, 2003 Pledges of around $33 billion (SFr43.14 billion) dispelled initial fears that governments and organisations would refuse to come up with the necessary funds. “The Iraqi people will long remember the assistance we’ll provide them at this critical moment of challenge and hope,” the United States secretary of state, Colin Powell, told representatives from more than…

Nestlé receives compensation from Ethiopia

This content was published on Oct 24, 2003 It said the money was being divided among three charities active in Ethiopia, and half of the sum had already been paid out to the Red Cross and Caritas. According to Nestlé spokesman Marcel Rubin, the Ethiopian government paid up the damages in two instalments, in March and October. The second instalment was being donated…

Insect cycle leaves moth-eaten forests

This content was published on Oct 23, 2003 Using aerial surveys from the last 40 years, Swiss and United States researchers have shed new light on how and why this defoliation occurs. They have shown that the population explosion and dispersal of the moths occur in waves. “It’s a unique case,” said Werner Baltensweiler, formerly of the Institute of Entomology of the Federal…

French media retailer expands in Swiss market

This content was published on Oct 23, 2003 Fnac plans to use the shop as a springboard for entry into the country’s main German-speaking cities of Basel, Bern and Zurich. The retailer of books, DVDs and CDs believes its success in the French-speaking regions of Switzerland shows that there are further opportunities for the company. “We have proven in the markets there that…

Hess wins battle for Australian winemaker

This content was published on Oct 23, 2003 Hess said on Thursday that it had obtained a majority share (67.56 per cent) of the Barossa Valley winemaker. The announcement comes a fortnight after Hess raised its unconditional bid from A$3.85 (SFr3.50) to A$4, matching a rival offer from British firm Allied Domecq. Allied then said it was not prepared to up its offer…

The Emmental bridges tourism gap

This content was published on Oct 23, 2003 More than two-dozen timber bridges span the region’s main river, the Emme, and its tributaries. Some of them are outstanding feats of engineering. Konrad Meyer-Usteri, a retired civil engineer and the author of the guide, took me on a tour of some of the region’s bridges. The starting point was the Hasle Bridge. “At nearly…

Swisscom slashes over 600 jobs

This content was published on Oct 23, 2003 Swisscom – which is majority owned by the state – blamed the job losses on falling revenues and stalled growth. The company said the cuts – which will take effect next year – are necessary to boost competitiveness. “Swisscom is under continuing price pressure, increasing competition and in some areas revenue is falling,” Swisscom spokeswoman,…

Adecco sees profit soar but remains cautious

This content was published on Oct 22, 2003 But the Swiss-based company, which is seen as a leading economic indicator, said it remained cautious in its outlook for the jobs market. Adecco reported net income of €104 million (SFr162 million), while operating income before amortisation rose 19 per cent to €163 million. Sales fell three per cent to €4.25 billion, but rose two…

Investors encourage Swiss entrepreneurs to persevere

This content was published on Oct 22, 2003 According to Marcel Erni of Partners Group, a Swiss-based “fund of funds” manager, the market, at least in the US, is easing. It is becoming somewhat easier for venture-backed companies to raise growth capital. Speaking at the Swiss Equity Fair in Lucerne this month, Erni said there was an increase in initial public offerings (IPOs)…

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