| TODAY |
Published 2.9..2010. Our next update will be on Friday 3.9.2010, c. 13.00 (GMT+3)
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BUSINESS & FINANCE
Newsprint manufacturers consider Nordic joint venture to trim away excess capacity; Stora Enso denies assertions by Helsingin Sanomat
Three major Nordic paper manufacturers are planning to implement arrangements aimed at cutting excess capacity in the production of newsprint. Helsingin Sanomat has learned that the Finnish and Swedish-owned Stora Enso, Sweden’s Holmen, and Norway’s Norske Skog are planning the partial or complete merger of their newsprint industries.
No single company would have a majority holding in the new enterprise, as none of the manufacturers want to bear the full burden of the relatively unprofitable newsprint manufacturing business. The first task of the new company would be to shut down the most unprofitable installations. Trading in shares of Stora Enso and the other two companies was suspended on Nordic bourses on Thursday morning.
In the early afternoon, Stora Enso issued a statement denying any plans for a merger.
FOREIGN
EU proposes mandatory six-week maternity leave after childbirth
The equality committee of the European Union is proposing a 20-week maternity leave with full pay for all member states. Finnish Members of the European Parliament and Finnish business interests reject the proposal. The proposal for a new directive on the matter will come before the European Parliament next month, with the aim of improving the status of pregnant women, women who have just given birth, and those who are breastfeeding. Under the planned amendment, there would be no mandatory maternity leave before the birth. The mandatory six-week maternity leave would take place after the child is born.
FOREIGN
Kiviniemi and Merkel discuss EU financial discipline in Berlin
“We have similar ways of thinking”, said German Chancellor Angela Merkel in a joint press conference with Finnish Prime Minister Mari Kiviniemi (Centre Party) at the office of the Chancellor in Berlin on Wednesday. Kiviniemi was met with military honours during her first visit to Berlin as Prime Minister. The two heads of government discussed economic issues affecting EU member states. Finland and Germany are willing to demand amendments to EU’s constitution to allow the punishment of member states who deviate from financial discipline. Kiviniemi apparently made a good impression in the "get to know you" visit, not least because of the fluent German she learnt while an exchange student in Lower Saxony.
HOME
 Possible leak of Finnish security secrets
METRO
Michelin-starred restaurant in Helsinki is to close its doors for good
BUSINESS & FINANCE
Pawnbrokers consider themselves alternative to controversial instant loans
SPORT
ESPN: Antti Niemi to San Jose Sharks on USD 2 million contract
PEOPLE
International star-chef team to gather in Lapland
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| THIS WEEK |
Published 31.8.2010. Next update on Tuesday 7.9., c.17:00 (GMT+3)
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BUSINESS & FINANCE
The Finn who brought pizza to the east
Pekka Rahunen made money by the sackload in the Soviet Union during its waning years, and his success continued after the collapse of the communist system. The alcohol-intense Russian business culture nevertheless proved to be his undoing.
HOME
Finnish matsutake mushrooms highly sought after in Japan
HOME
Hunters on the scent of bears
METRO
A Kalevala-inspired installation has taken shape in Helsinki’s Seurasaari
CONSUMER
Capricious brands
BUSINESS & FINANCE
Fujitsu-Siemens employees finally win in court
PEOPLE
You know, you could actually make a living online by blogging
TRAVEL
After turning from introvert to extrovert, Finland suddenly becomes ”hip”
SPORT
Teemu Selänne prepares for life after ice hockey
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