Company bosses look back on windfall

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Business

The chiefs of Austria’s biggest companies earned more in 2010 than in the previous year, according to an investors’ protection group. IVA officials said yesterday (Tues) the incomes of members of the executive boards of companies listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange (WBAG) rose by 13.6 per cent from 2009 to the following year. The […]

Beer prices to climb

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Business

One of Austria’s biggest breweries decided to increase its consumer prices. Ottakringer – Vienna’s major beer firm – said today (Tues) it would charge three to five per cent more for its products. The price hikes will be felt by shoppers from March, according to business experts. A spokesman for the company claimed that “all […]

ÖBB justifies ‘dumping prices’

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Business

Federal Railways (ÖBB) has defended the introduction of crash prices. A spokeswoman for the company said today (Fri) criticism of the latest move was “incomprehensible” since the customers would eventually benefit from it. ÖBB caused a stir by presenting a programme featuring 25,000 tickets for 15 Euros each for its western railway link connecting Vienna […]

SBB boss says ÖBB will survive

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Business

The head of one of Europe’s most successful railroad companies has said he is convinced that Austria’s Federal Railways (ÖBB) has a future. Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) chief Andreas Meyer told Die Presse today (Fri) that “there might be synergies (in the next 20 years), but SBB and ÖBB will stay independent companies.” SBB is […]

Railroad price fight in full swing

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Business

Federal Railways (ÖBB) and Westbahn have broken their promise not to engage in a price war. ÖBB chief Christian Kern explained in several interviews his company would focus on better quality and customer service in its attempt to weather the intensified competition on the tracks between Vienna and Salzburg. Westbahn executive manager Stefan Wehinger promised […]

Gerry Weber grabs broke rival

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Business

A German fashion firm has taken over bankrupt clothing business Don Gil. It was confirmed yesterday (Weds) that Gerry Weber snatched up Don Gil for around six million Euros. The Austrian company – run by an Italian enterprise – opted for a controlled bankruptcy procedure last month due to its debts of 28 million Euros. […]

Gazprom Export chief shrugs off cartel claims

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Business

Gazprom manager Alexander Medvedev has hit out at European politicians and competition watchdogs. Asked whether Eastern Europe (EE) must brace for another gas crisis this winter due to the conflict between his company and Ukraine, the Gazprom deputy chairman told Austrian newspaper Die Presse: “(The) energy (sector) has always been connected with politics, but not […]

ÖBB unionist quits

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Business

Federal Railways (ÖBB) works council boss Wilhelm Haberzettl has decided to retire. The Social Democrat (SPÖ) announced on Saturday it was “time for a change. Younger talents should come forward.” Haberzettl said he would quit as head of the ÖBB staff representation on 22 November. The 56-year-old left-winger added he had no plans to retire […]

Manner busier despite price hikes

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Business

Tradition-rich sweets manufacturer Manner said today (Fri) it managed to increase its turnover by more than 10 per cent. The company, best known for its Manner Schnitten hazelnut cream wafers, announced a 10.3 per cent turnover rise from the first nine months of 2010 to 122.2 million Euros in the same time span of this […]

E-cars may become mass phenomenon, Verbund boss says

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Business

The head of Austria’s biggest electricity provider has claimed electric cars (e-cars) could be established in Austria in less than 15 years. Verbund AG chief Wolfgang Anzengruber told the Kurier: “E-cars will either be a fun topic or something affecting the masses (in 2025).” The ex-Palfinger boss made aware of polls “30 years ago” revealing […]