News from September 2021


Global Leader Group expanding into Africa, UK and Middle East

Global Leader Group is launching its new entity, Global Leader Group EMEA, for the Middle Eastern, African and European regions, a press release said.


Ara Partners expanding in Europe with new Dublin office opening

Private equity firm Ara Partners is expanding its presence in Europe with a new office opening in Dublin, Ireland, and hiring five key investment professionals, a press release said. 


IMF Executive Board Concludes Second and Third Reviews of the Extended Fund Facility for Ecuador and 2021 Article IV Consultation

Press Release: The IMF Executive Board concluded yesterday the combined second and third reviews of the 27-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Ecuador, allowing for an immediate disbursement equivalent to about US$800 million. The Executive Board also concluded the 2021 Article IV consultation.


U.S., Ukraine sign memorandum of understanding over trade

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo earlier this month signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlining areas of renewed cooperation on trade with Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Oleksiy Lyubchenko.


Cambium Networks works on ‘transforming connectivity demands’ in Australia with new wireless network offering

Cambium Networks confirmed plans to establish a multi-Gigabit Fixed Wireless Network in Australia.


'Taxation in a digitalizing economy even more important' as Asian countries become increasingly digitalized

Asian government entities are considering how to update antiquated taxation methods as their economies are increasingly becoming digitalized.


Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern combine, creating 'first single-line rail network' linking U.S.-Mexico-Canada

Canadian Pacific Railway Limited and Kansas City Southern will merge to create a much larger and more competitive network, operating approximately 20,000 miles of rail, employing close to 20,000 people and generating total revenues of approximately $8.7 billion based on 2020 actual revenues, according to a press release.


'The recovery, however, is not assured': IMF report optimistic about economy in second half of year, but highlights potential pitfalls

On its way to recovery, the global economy is projected to grow 6% in 2021 and 4.9% in 2022, the International Monetary Fund reported.


Gross Domestic Product, (Third Estimate), GDP by Industry, and Corporate Profits (Revised), 2nd Quarter 2021

Press Release: Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 6.7 percent in the second quarter of 2021, reflecting the continued economic recovery, reopening of establishments, and continued government response related to the COVID-19 pandemic.


IMF on United Arab Emirates mission: 'Economic recovery has begun to strengthen'

The International Monetary Fund has issued the following press release: End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country.


Florida mulls pulling financial support for Ben & Jerry’s, Unilever over Israel stance

Ben & Jerry’s recently announced it would stop selling products in “occupied Palestinian territory,” which spurred the action


'We're always exploring where we can drive greater impact:' McDonalds to end plastic in Happy Meals

McDonald's is working on eliminating the plastic toys in its Happy Meals while keeping the fun.


Uber CEO Khosrowshahi: 'We are very clearly on the path to profitability'

After investing to increase driver ranks, Dara Khosrowshahi expects to see fares start to fall


OECD lowers forecasts for U.S., global economic growth

Despite a relatively strong ongoing recovery from the coronavirus pandemic from an economic standpoint, the OECD released a report this month that tempers expectations in the coming months.


IMF chief scrutinized for alleged pressure to lift China's ranking in annual report

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Chief Kristalina Georgieva is under fire this month after she reportedly pressured staff to boost China's rankings in the "Doing Business" report.


Procter & Gamble commits to helping Hispanic communities

Procter & Gamble has committed to several initiatives to advance causes important to company leadership as well as the company's customers.


JPMorgan to launch digital bank in the UK

The trend of all-digital banking by mainstream companies continues as JP Morgan will be opening a digital bank in the United Kingdom, CNBC reported.


Virtual coaching company BetterUp acquires two software firms

BetterUp, a San Francisco-based company specializing in virtual coaching, counseling, and mentorship has acquired software companies Motive and Impraise, according to a news release.


Asia Capital seals loan agreement to continue ‘superior execution and access to reliable streams of capital’

Asia Capital Real Estate recently secured $360 million worth of loans to support its rapidly rising market growth.


IMF director Georgieva disputes allegations of manipulation

International Monetary Fund chief Kristalina Georgieva faces allegations that she manipulated the Doing Business Report of 2018 while in a previous role at the World Bank.