IN BRIEF (Page 16)

White men dominant

White men in South Africa still dominate senior professional appointments because of a shortage of skills, Business Day said, citing Debbie Goodman-Bhyat, managing director of Jack Hammer Executive Headhunters.

At least 51 percent of professionals placed in positions last year were white males, little changed from 2006, as companies hired on the basis of experience and skill over targets aimed at increasing the number of black people in senior positions, the Johannesburg-based newspaper said.

ABB on track

ABB Ltd said it is on a "good path" to reaching mid-term targets and the company is still interested in acquisitions, Finanz und Wirtschaft said, quoting acting Chief Executive Officer Michel Demare.

Demare didn't rule out a capital increase if needed to finance a "convincing big" purchase, although it wasn't the company's priority.

Sacyr sells stake

Sacyr Vallehermoso SA agreed to sell its one-third stake in French construction firm Eiffage SA to institutional investors for 1.96 billion euros, ending a year-long takeover struggle.

Sacyr, which agreed to sell for 63 euros a share, wants to focus on other plans, the Madrid-based company said in a filing. Sacyr was seeking 80 euros a share, sources said.

Looking ahead

Daimler AG, the world's second-largest maker of luxury vehicles, said sales and profit will rise this year as demand from emerging markets outweighs the effects of a weaker US economy.

"Daimler expects unit sales to increase further in 2008, while earnings before interest and tax is expected to be significantly higher than in 2007," the Stuttgart, Germany- based carmaker said.

Agencies

(China Daily 04/10/2008 page16)