Qatar accumulates UBS stake

Qatar is accumulating shares in Credit Suisse Group and plans to spend as much as $15 billion on European and US bank stocks over the next year, the Gulf state's prime minister said in an interview.

IN BRIEF (Page 17)

Business International

Toyota set to release poor results

Toyota Motor Corp, the world's second-largest carmaker, may report the smallest profit growth in four quarters because of the rising yen and slowing US demand.

Mitsubishi may close Oz plant

Mitsubishi Motors Corp, Japan's fastest-growing car exporter, will shut a factory in Australia after the plant's models failed to attract buyers, said three company officials who declined to be named.

Ryanair says '08 may be difficult

Ryanair Holdings Plc, Europe's biggest discount airline, said profit declined for the first time in seven quarters as increased competition hurt ticket prices.

IN BRIEF (Page 17)

Business International

MBIA posts $2.3b Q4 net loss

MBIA Inc, the world's largest bond insurer, posted its biggest-ever quarterly loss and said it is considering new ways to raise capital after a slump in the value of subprime-mortgage securities the company guaranteed.

Shell cashes in on high oil prices

Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Europe's biggest oil company, said fourth-quarter profit climbed 60 percent, boosted by crude prices that approached $100 a barrel and countered lower production and earnings from refining.

Tata buys US firm for $1b

Tata Chemicals Ltd, part of India's second-largest business group, agreed to buy US-based General Chemical Industrial Products Inc for $1 billion to become the world's second-largest maker of soda ash.

Vodafone revenue boosted 4 percent

Vodafone Group Plc, the world's biggest mobile-phone company by sales, said third-quarter revenue from wireless services rose 4.2 percent on growth in India and Turkey.