Surge in listed firms setting up buyout funds

Last year saw a fivefold surge in the number of companies that established buyout funds in China, and already this year another 125 companies have launched funds of this kind, according to new figures published in Securities Daily.

Applied Materials funds Shanghai talent program

Long-running project encourages scientific research and innovation among young people

Tree-planting drive in Minqin gets latest boost

The Ginkgo Foundation and China's tourist information-sharing website Mafengwo have launched a joint campaign to continue efforts to save an area of previously fertile land in Minqin county of Northwest China's Gansu province, which continues to be threatened by desertification.

Sony continues educational efforts in quake-hit schools

New video equipment and other educational aids have been newly installed in classrooms in Minzu Primary School in Luquan County, Yunnan province by Sony China, under the company's ongoing "Dream Classroom" education-technology program.

IN BRIEF (Page 18)

Bet's on your pet

Five years ago, dog-lover Song Yu decided to open her Paopao Pet Bakery in Beijing, claimed to be the first of its kind in China, to enable pet owners to pamper their furry companions with delicious and healthful treats.

Grooming supplies all the rage

Last week, Yin Chunhui took some time off on a workday to attend the third China Beijing International Pet Supplies Exhibition because he wanted to compare prices before buying the best organic food for his pet.

CNOOC, Shell to double Nanhai ethylene capacity

China's largest offshore oil producer CNOOC reached an agreement with its partner Royal Dutch Shell Plc to expand the existing ethylene cracker in their joint venture, amid a rapid growth in the ethylene demand in the world's second-largest economy.

Suning, Wuliangye form alliance to tackle counterfeit products

Zhang Jindong, the chairman and founder of Suning Holdings Group Ltd, said a new collaboration agreement with liquor brand Wuliangye Group Co Ltd will help ensure fewer counterfeit goods enter the marketplace, as well as cut transport costs for both firms.

Stocks break seven-day winning streak

Mainland stocks fell for the first time in eight days, halting its longest-winning streak since May, as financial and commodity companies slumped.

Sparkle Roll 'may buy' Bang & Olufsen

China's Sparkle Roll Group Ltd said it is in talks to acquire Bang & Olufsen A/S, the Danish maker of high-end hi-fi systems.

Automaker eyes Russia, Iran

Company wants to tap into growing global demand for Chinese automobile brands