Another kind of league table

Article Abstract:

Four companies are distinguishing themselves in the UK pension fund management business. Mercury Asset Management Group PLC, Gartmore, Schroders PLC, and Phillips & Drew Fund Management are now acknowledged as the industry'sBig Four. The considerable growth of these firms' market shares in recent yearshas been helped by the Maxwell scandal. The incident sent pension funds in a 'flight to comfort,' seeking safety in the stability offered by big and well-established fund managers. The rise into prominence of the Big Four comes at a time when there appears to be a dearth of new fund managers. The industry is consolidating, making it difficult to draw up a shortlist of well performinginvestment managers with more than 15 names. However, there are a few new namescoming up, the most noteworthy of which are Newton and Edinburg-based Baillie Gifford.

Pension, health, and welfare funds, United Kingdom, Pension funds

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Free trade, Canada and the European challenge

Article Abstract:

The US is worried that the single European market will create a massive German-led economic entity that, with its access to cheap labor, raw materials, and markets in Eastern Europe, will prove too formidable. The US-Canada free trade agreement of 1988 was part of the response by the US and Canada to the single European market. However, Canadian companies have been hurt by the free trade agreement as they are typically smaller than US firms and have enjoyed a protected economic environment, making them less competitive. The US has entered negotiations for a free trade agreement with Mexico that will give US firms access to cheap labor, raw materials, and new markets, which may prove a threat to Canada's economic well-being if it does not join in the negotiations itself.

United States, Analysis, Canada, Europe, Mexico, United States foreign relations, Mexican foreign relations, Single European market, Canadian foreign relations

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From bananas to salads and a recipe for change

Article Abstract:

Geest PLC has successfully made the transition from being one of the UK's most obscure private companies to being one of its best-run publicly listed companies. Since going public in 1987, Geest has grown impressively with 1991 turnover reaching 600 million pounds sterling. Geest, which specializes in the marketing of retail produce, has kept up its profit growth despite the recession and in 1991 registered interim profits of 15.1 million pounds sterling. Geest, which has a market share of 64% in the supply of fruits and vegetables to supermarkets, plans to expand its operations in Europe, with joint ventures being launched in Spain and Germany. The company is also expanding slowly into the lucrative prepared foods market.

Fresh fruits and vegetables, Fruit industry, Fruit trade, Vegetable industry, Company Profile, Geest PLC

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