сряда, 29 юни 2011 г.

BG Boxoffice Update - Weekend 24-26 June

Rusty, annoying and on top
Finally some worthy amendments on top of the Bulgarian boxoffice, where the second instalment of Pixar's Cars park with BGN 128,671 over the weekend. Easily becoming the Pixar movie with the highest debut in Bulgaria, the title's results, however, pale in comparison to Shrek 4 and Tangled, or even Rio. And having in mind, it's the second worst movie of Pixar ever (next to part one), it's success in Bulgaria compared to flops such as Up! and Toy Story 3 comes as a solid proof of the quality settled in Bulgarian cinemas. Still, we should not underestimate the power of the Cars brand, which has made boys between 2 and 12 to storm the cinemas.

Bad Teacher, one of the few R-rated comedies to be released here lately, has benefited from the star power of Cameron Dias and its world premiere, and thus has made BGN 67,446 over the weekend. Quite a respectable result, having in mind that Dias-Cruise vehicle Knight & Day made USD 280,000 in its entire run last year. 

More or less negligible falls this weekend, with last week's champion Pirates 4 retreating 19% (a total of 1,871,269 so far), Kung Fu Panda 2 falling 37% (a passable decrease in view of the arrival of Cars 2, a total of 598,435), Hangover 2 slipping only 5% (a total of 531,018), Super 8 falling mere 23% in its second week (a total of 123,527) and X-Men First Class saving grace with a decline of just 18% (a total of 194,860).

This weekend Fast Five passed the milestone of 1m in Bulgaria and even rose by 3% - not bad for the what is the third and, as it seems for now, the last Universal film in the country for 2011.

Compared to my last week projections, Cars 2 considerably missed its 200,000 target, while Bad Teacher came considerably close to my 75,000 forecast.

Next weekend's projections:
Transformers 3 - BGN 300,000 (including previews)
Mr. Popper's Penguins - BGN 55,000 (including previews)


(1 BGN = EUR 0.52 = USD 0.74)

(Expect soon a special feature called NO HANNA, CHANGE-UP & MONTE CARLO IN BULGARIA)

Austria's Top Economic News - Week 20-26 June

Monday

Monday was slow on corporate news with CA Immo revealing that its German unit Vivico Real Estate will take the parent's name in the future. Thus the company wants to strengthen its presence in Germany.
update software AG said on Monday it plans to buy back up to 865,004 shares between June 28 and November 18, 2013. The repurchased stock will be used for servicing share option plans and for financing of takeovers.

Tuesday

On Tuesday Norbert Steiner, the project manager for the controversial Skylink terminal expansion at the Vienna Airport, told journalists that the terminal could be ready for passengers in June 2012. According to Steiner, the project will cost less than EUR 800m.
US investment firm Capital Research and Management Company has lowered its stake in Telekom Austria to 7.94% from 15.13% before, the Austrian company announced.
Motorcycle producer KTM revealed on Tuesday a capital increase of EUR 14m via the issue of 400,000 new shares.

Wednesday

Sugar, stark and fruit group Agrana said on Wednesday that its first-quarter sales rose to EUR 613m from EUR 541m. The company expects a considerable rise in earnings for full fiscal 2011/12, it added.
Office furniture maker Bene announced it had reduced its EBIT loss to EUR 1.3m for the first quarter of fiscal 2011/12 from EUR 3.1m a year earlier. Sales rose 18.5% to EUR 44.3m. The improvement was attributed to the enhanced product mix and the increased own production at the firm. Bene projects a slightly negative EBIT for full 2011/12 and a further increase in sales.
Brick maker Wienerberger said that it was on the right path for achieving a net profit in 2011 despite the crisis in Greece and the stagnated business in USA. The company's CFO, Van Riet, said he expects improvements on the markets in western Europe, Poland and the Czech Republic, but also that falls in Bulgaria and Romania could not be excluded. Wienerberger has also issued a new bond, raising EUR 100m in new capital.
Fibre producer Lenzing said that its main shareholder B&C Privatstiftung has reduced its shareholding to 65.5% in the frame of the company's listing of more shares on the stock market.
Fireproof material maker RHI said on Wednesday it forecasts a slight improvement in sales for the second quarter of the year plus a rise in the EBIT margin to 9%. For the second half of the year an EBIT margin of 9.5% is projected.

Thursday

Corpus Christi - Public Holiday

Friday

On Friday BKS Bank said it plans to issue a bond worth up to EUR 20m and with a maturity of six years. The interest rate will be set at 3.75%.
Nespresso, Nestle's maker of coffee capsules, will close its eastern European headquarters in Vienna, the company said. Following the move, the units in Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania will act as separate entities.
At the forthcoming shareholders' annual meeting lighting specialist Zumtobel plans to seek an authorisation for a capital increase of up to EUR 10.88m, the company said.
Late on Friday brewery Ottakringer said that its shareholders have approved a dividend of EUR 1.54 per share for 2010.

Austria's Top Economic News - Week 20-26 June - Die Deutsche Version

Besser spät als nie...

Montag

Montag war langsam hinsichtlich Firmennachrichten. Das Immobilienunternehmen CA Immo meldete, dass seine deutsche Tochter Vivico ihren Namen auf CA Immo ändern wird. Damit plant CA Immo seine Aktivitäten in Deutschland unter seiner eigenen Marke zu verstärken.
Der Softwarespezialist update software AG teilte zum Wochenbeginn mit, dass er bis zu 865,004 eigenen Aktien zwischen Juni 28 und November 18, 2013, zurückerwerben will. Die zurückgekauften Aktien werden für die Bedienung von Aktienoptionsplänen und für Übernahmefinanzierungen genutzt.
 
Dienstag

Am Dienstag sagte Norbert Steiner, der Leiter des Skylink Terminalprojekts am Flughafen Wien, den Journalisten, dass der Terminal ab Juni 2012 für Flugreisenden geöffnet werden kann. Das Projekt wird unter EUR 800m kosten, Steiner berichtete.
Amerikanische Investmentfirma Capital Research and Management Company hat ihren Anteil an der Telekom Austria auf 7.94% von 15.13% gekürzt, teilte die österreichische Gesellschaft mit.
Der Motorradhersteller KTM veröffentlichte am Dienstag eine Kapitalerhöhung von EUR 14m mit der Ausgabe von 400,000 neuen Aktien.

Mittwoch

Agrana, die österreichische Zucker, Stark und Früchtegruppe, teilte am Mittwoch mit, dass ihr Umsatz auf EUR 613m in den ersten drei Monaten des Festgefahrenes von EUR 541m vor einem Jahr gestiegen ist. Die Firma rechnet mit einem deutlichen Zuwachs bei ihren Ergebnissen in dem ganzen Jahr.
Der Büromöbelspezialist Bene sagte, dass er seinen EBIT-Verlust auf EUR 1.3m im ersten Quartal des Fiskaljahres von EUR 3.1m vor einem Jahr reduziert hat. Die Erlöse der Firma stiegen um 18.5% auf EUR 44.3m. Die Erhöhung war von dem verbesserten Produktmix und der wachsenden Eigenproduktion getragen. Bene erwartet ein etwas negatives EBIT und ein weiteren Zuwachs des Umsatzes für das ganze Jahr.
Der Baumaterialhersteller Wienerberger meldete am Mittwoch, dass er auf dem richtigen Weg ist einen Nettogewinn im 2011 trotzdem der Krise in Griechenland oder der Stagnation in den USA zu registrieren. Der CFO der Firma, Van Riet, sagte, dass er erwartet eine Erholung auf dem Märkten in Westeuropa, Polen und Tschechien. Allerdings kann man Einbrüche in Bulgarien und Rumänien nicht ausschließen. Das Unternehmen hat auch eine Anleihe von EUR100 begeben.
Der Faserspezialist Lenzing teilte mit, dass sein größte Eigentümer, die B&C Privatstiftung, seinen Anteil an der Firma auf 65.5% nach dem re-IPO des Unternehmens reduziert hat.
Die RHI veröffentlichte am Mittwoch, dass sie mit einer leichten Erhöhung beim Umsatz in den zweiten drei Monaten des Jahres rechnet und eine Erholung von der EBIT Marge auf 9% erwartet. In dem zweiten Halbjahr sieht die Firma eine EBIT Marge von 9.5%.

Donnerstag

Fronleichnam - Feiertag

Freitag

Am Freitag sagte die BKS Bank, dass sie eine Anleihe von bis zu EUR 20m und mit einer Laufzeit von sechs Jahren zu begeben plant. Die Verzinsung der Anleihe wird auf 3.75% stehen.
Nespresso, der Hersteller von Kaffeekapseln und ein Unternehmen der Nestle Gruppe, meldete zum Wochenende, dass er seine Zentrale für Osteuropa in Wien schließen will. Danach werden die Geschäftseinheiten in Polen, Tschechien, Ungarn und Rumänien als einzelne Firmen operieren.
Der Beleuchtungsspezialist Zumtobel will eine Ermächtigung von seinen Aktionären zu einer Kapitalerhöhung von bis zu EUR 10.88m erhalten.
Am Freitagabend teilte Brauerei Ottakringer mit, dass ihre Aktionären eine Dividende von EUR 1.54 je Aktie für 2010 bewilligten.

понеделник, 27 юни 2011 г.

Only the latest - 27.06

The latest music from UK, Germany and US, this week with brand new videos from Britney Spears, Enrique Iglesias, Guano Apes, Shinia Twain, The Baseballs, Michael Jackson and many more...

неделя, 26 юни 2011 г.

Austrian chart update - 24.06

Die Österreichische Hitparade

The top three

1. Alexandra Stran - Mr. Saxobeat (1st week at #1)
2. LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem
3. Pitbull feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack - Give Me Everything

The new entries

22. Pitbull feat. Marc Anthony - Rain Over Me*
48. Molti Spotzl Pichla Eigi - Es Ist Sommerzeit**
53. Lafee - Ich bin
56. Mads Langer - You're Not Alone
61. Die Vamummtn - Festl Gestan 2011**
64. Rob & Chris - Eskalation
65. Nicole Scherzinger - Don't Hold Your Breath*
68. Michelle & Matthias Reim - Idiot 2011
69. Die Vamummtn - Schwab's Weg**

* - Still to enter the German charts
** - pure Austrian stuff

четвъртък, 23 юни 2011 г.

German chart comments - Issue date - 24.06.2011

"The Party Rock Anthem" of LMFAO seems locked down at #1 this week, for a second time in a row. Making a third week on the top, however, would be quite a feat for the guys, in view of the increasing competition from Alexandra Stan, whose "Mr. Saxobeat" rises to #2 from #4.

Video - LMFAO
Video - Stan 

Boosted by a performance on the finale of Germany's Next Topmodel, "The Edge of Glory", Lady Gaga's third proper single from her second album soars to #7 from #37. Perhaps the flop of previous single "Judas" to even enter the top 20 is already behind her? I personally expect, now, with a video, "The Edge of Glory" to have quite a decent run in the top 10 in Germany over the next weeks. The song is Gaga's ninth single, out of ten, to reach the top 10 in the country.
Also supported by an appearance on Germany's Next Topmodel, Keri Hilson comes back to the German top 20 with "Pretty Girl Rock" at #14. Last time around miss Hilson topped the chart with her single "I Like", which was used in a local Till Schweiger movie. That once again shows how important the good promotion for a song placement is.
Video 

The second new entry comes from British superband Coldplay, who bring their energizing new single "Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall" at #28. Maybe the lack of a video will stop the great song to reach other heights, or even enter the top 10 as "Violet Hill" and "Viva La Vida" did before it. 
The only other activity worth noting in the top 50 is the #28-#24 rise of Natasha Bedinfield's "Pocketful of Sunshine", which is steadily turning into one of the summer hits in Germany despite actually several years old. 
The other new entries with videos (just watch how Lafee and DSDS's 2010 winner flop (for now at least) massively):

#60 - Anna-Maria Zimmermann - 100.000 leuchtende Sterne
Audio 
#80 - Lafee - Ich bin
Video 
#85 - Mehrzad Marashi - Beautiful World
Video 
#88 - Rob & Chris - Eskalation
Video 

The Album Chart

Despite that he is fading quickly in the singles chart (this week down to #13), Pietro Lombardi sticks to the number one in the albums for a third consecutive week. The highest new entry belongs to local punk band Broilers at #2. "Harter Weg", the pilot single from the "Santa Muerte" album, entered the singles countdown at #41 before vanishing completely in the following week.
New entries in the LP top 20 also by supergroup Black Country Communion and "2" at #7, while Thomas Anders and Fahrenkrog bring their collaborative album, also called "Two", at #11. 


In BG Cinemas from June 24

Палавата класна / Bad Teacher - Just look at the premise - Cameron Diaz plays a teacher whose only joy is to get drunk and stoned rather to pour education in the children heads. Moreover, she has a simple dream - to raise money for new tits and thus to impress Justin Timberlake. Find this appalling? Go watch The Tree of Life again then! Find this ridiculous? Go buy a ticket immediately as, believe me, this Diaz vehicle is more-than-hilarious, proving once again that the R-rated comedy genre has taken the uphill after the success of The Hangover Part II and Bridesmaids.

Diaz nails the role as the title character, who shows that she is not stupid or lazy but just likes the way of life she has chosen, while Justin Timberlake really surprises as the "love interest". Best of all however is Ms Squirrel (yes, no mistakes here) who tries to be the villain of the peace with some disastrous results. It's all so absurd, that many of you will just gasp and say what the fuck - and believe me the "F" word is used with a gusto to the max. At moments, the film however loses its focus and the tone shifts down a little, which deprives the movie from its place in the four-star category. But though not magnifico, the Bad Teacher is definitely simpatico! And if the R-rated staff is your comedy piece of cake, that's the slice you should take and especially as Bridesmaids and the forthcoming Change-Up will not be distributed over here. (Alexandra) ***1/2

Колите 2 / Cars 2 - The fact that Cars is the least critically acclaimed title of Pixar makes it easier for the sequel to be better. And it is, more or less. The shifting of the focus from Radiator Springs to Japan, Italy and UK gives the movie more richness and detail. In addition, the new spy elements are quite more interesting than the themes from part one. Another difference is that this time around the story revolves not around Lightning McQueen but around his best friend Mater, who takes the central role in the sequel. And unfortunately here you'd find the problem with Cars 2 - Mater is simply, I don't know, because of the Bulgarian dubbing or just because of the way the character is written, utterly annoying. It's okay in the first 30 minutes but afterwards you just want for McQueen to show and take the rule, but this never happens... Anyway, it's a Pixar movie, which inevitably makes it of superior quality than most of the current movies in cinemas, so you should not miss it. And especially if you could bring your little son or nephew with you, they'd just love it. (Forum Film) ****
Trailer


This week's previews:
Mr. Popper's Penguins - surprisingly okay children movie with Carrey and penguins - ***
Transformers 3 - five stars on the Bay meter, but will not convert any naysayers - ***1/2

The ratings:
***** Perfect
**** Unmissable
*** Fine
** So-so
* Stay away

сряда, 22 юни 2011 г.

BG Boxoffice Update - Weekend 17-19 June

Looking at BO was never so scary
None of the two new entries managed to challenge the top two this weekend as in a switch of last week's top positions Pirates 4 reclaims the top position for a third cumulative week. With above BGN 1.8m on its boat, the movie is to cross the 2m threshold soon to become one of the biggest hits in the contemporary Bulgarian cinema history.

Kung Fu Panda 2 tumbles to the second place with the alarming decline of 61%. Po and the gang already have BGN 523,803 for three weeks in cinemas, though the decrease of above 60% and the arrival of Cars 2 next weekend do not bode well for the panda's future boxoffice results. We all know that Bulgarians love animation but perhaps the sun will not shine in the Panda-world for long this time...

The highest new entry comes in at #3 in the face of the more-than-excellent Super 8. The JJ Abrams nostalgia flick earns almost BGN 30,000 over the weekend and BGN 67,153, including previews, which shows quite strange front-loaded demand for the starless movie. Though not a spectacular result, the figures for Super 8 at least show that sometimes good pictures can find a respectable audience here.

At #5 X-Men: First Class slows off with the disturbing 58% but still and, proving why the weekend doesn't matter anymore, it has above BGN 150,000 so far -- a result boosted by the cheaper prices during the week and especially on Thursdays.

The lack of strong promotion (it's an independent title) and the complete absence of any huge names in the cast have taken their toll for the second new entry this week. Thus Something Borrowed joins the top ten with the miserable BGN 8,791. Even the fact that some of the big comedies this year - Bridesmaids, Change-up, Paul, Your Highness (and yes, I'm getting boring, I know) - couldn't help this little movie to blossom. Next weekend's Bad Teacher will completely destroy it...

Compared to my projections, Super 8 was almost on target with my BGN 60,000 forecast, while Something Borrowed missed my expectation of BGN 25,000 by a mile.

Next weekend's projections:
Cars 2 - BGN 200,000
Bad Teacher - BGN 75,000

(Sources: Cinema sites from Bulgaria)
(1 BGN = USD 0.73 = EUR 0.5)

вторник, 21 юни 2011 г.

Only the latest - 20.06

The latest videos from Germany, UK and USA, this week is star-crowded with the newest from Katy Perry, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Chris Brown, Scouting for Girls, Pietro Lombardi, The Wanted, Chase & Status, Lafee, White Lies, Bushido, plus a special live performance of Coldplay's "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall"... Enjoy

неделя, 19 юни 2011 г.

Austrian chart update - 17.06

Die Österreichische Hitparade 

The top three

1.LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem
2. Snoop Dogg vs. David Guetta - Sweat
3. Pitbull feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack - Give Me Everything

The new entries

14. Cascada - San Francisco
23. Coldplay - Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall*
37. Avril Lavigne - Smile
38. Kylie Minogue - Put Your Hands Up*
48. Bushido - Wärst Du Immer Noch Hier?
55. Natalia Kills - Wonderland
66. G&G - Beautiful Day*
72. Martin Solveig feat. Kele - Ready 2 Go
73. Pitbull - Pause*

* - Still to enter the German charts
** - pure Austrian stuff

събота, 18 юни 2011 г.

German chart comments - Issue date - 17.06.2011

Expectedly, the worldwide smash hit of LMFAO "Party Rock Anthem" has taken the crown in Germany after a steady climb for several weeks. Blame it on the weather, but we have another dance hit on the top just five weeks after Jennifer Lopez's "Lambada" rendition stood there. 

Last week's number one "Call My Name" of superstar Pietro Lombardi plummets to #7 but expect him to return in the upper positions of the countdown with his duet with Sarah Engels, which is already getting a solid airplay.

The retreat of the DSDS winner leaves a way to a completely dance top five, with Pitbull taking the second and the third positions with "Give Me Everything" and his participation on the "On The Floor" anthem of Jennifer Lopez. At #4 Romanian newcomer Alexandra Stan shoots herself with "Mr. Saxobeat", up from #14 last week. Have I mentioned that fellow country star Inna has never had a top 20 hit in Germany? 

The summer vibe is also completed with the #5 position of Snoop Dogg and David Guetta's "Sweat".

Further down the top 10, Adele's "Set Fire To The Rain" has finally been hit (expectedly) and falls for the first time since its entry in the top 100 and this week occupies the #8 position. At the same Jupiter Jones' "Still" finally makes it to the top 10, bringing a German-language song there for the first time in ages. 

Dance music continues its dominance at #13 where the highest new entry of the week can be found. Dancefloor project Cascada enters the chart with the brand new single "San Francisco", which is one of their most lacklustre ones but that's just my opinion ... Cascada has three top ten hits on its account - "Everytime We Touch" (peak #5), "What Hurts the Most" (#9) and "Evacuate the Dancefloor" (#5).

The second highest new entry comes in at #26, belonging to Shakira. "Rabiosa" is the third single taken from Shakira's current album and follows the #1 football anthem "Waka Waka" and the #6 peak of "Loca".

In the top 30 three new peak positions worth mentioning this week by Frida Gold's "Wovon sollen wir träumen" at #21, Natasha Bedingfield's "Pocketful of Sunshine" at #28 and DJ Antoine's "Welcome To St. Tropez" at #29. Did I say that it's summer?
Video  - Frida Gold
Video - DJ Antoine

The non-summer new entries this week come in the lower end of the top 50. At #40 Avril Lavigne continues with its so-so performance as "Smile", the second single taken from her newest album, also fails to set the charts on fire. It comes after the #21 peak of "What the Hell". 

Two new entries also at #44 and #45 in the face of Bushido's "Wärst du immer noch hier?" and Natalia Kills' "Wonderland". The two singles follow the top 20 success of Bushido's "Vergiss mich" and the top ten entry of Natalia Kills' "Mirrors".

Between #51 and #100, the honour for the only new entry goes to Simple Plan and their collaboration with Natasha Bedingfield as "Jet Lag" arrives at #65.

The Album Chart

Despite giving up the number one in the singles, Pietro Lombardi sticks for a second week on top of the LP chart with "Jackpot", which has already been granted a gold status for just seven days in the shops. The highest new entry comes from Paul Kalkbrenner at #2. The German DJ has been in the lower parts of the singles chart with "Sky and Sand" for more than a year. 

Proving once again their chart longevity in Germany, Depeche Mode's latest compilation under the name "Remixes 2: 81 – 11" enters new at #3. In comparison "Remixes 81...04" reached #2. 

The latest LP of German hip hop group K.I.Z. enters this week at #4, while all grannies in Germany brought Semino Rossi's newest "Augenblicke" in at #6. At the same time UK finest, Arctic Monkeys, arrive at #10 with their latest CD. 


четвъртък, 16 юни 2011 г.

In BG Cinemas from June 17

Супер 8/Super 8 - Let's set the matter clear at the very beginning - Super 8 is an old-fashioned movie, not only starring teenagers but targeting in its core the younger audience. If you, by any chance, have been unlucky to lose your inner child long time ago, just stay away, go and watch Fist Five again. However, if the idea to witness a type of filmmaking forgotten at some moment in the past doesn't bother you, you're welcome. Super 8 is your definite summer movie experience. Just flow with the stream of nostalgia. The film is warm, boasts a monstrous heart, relies on an intriguing and, most crucially of all, a thrilling story, and even can scare some of you. In other words, it is all the latest Pirates of the Caribbean flick couldn't be.

I don't wanna take the spoiler path, especially if you are spared by the intrusive marketing campaigns of Paramount, but all you need to know is that Super 8 is set in the end-70s, when the sight of a walk-man was considered a miracle and when kids enjoyed themselves not in front of the PCs but by strolling around or if they were fortunate enough by playing with their families' video cameras. Needless to say, all this tranquillity is soon to be crashed by something never seen before and things are gonna get a little messy. It's not that there are many surprises story-wise, it's less Lost more Star Trek, but still JJ Abrams shows why he is a director at top of his game now, who, learning from his pal Steven Spielberg (on producer duties here), has managed to deliver a simple story with a real class. (Forum Film) ****


Нещо назаем/Something Borrowed - It's one of those cases when the title says it all. The problem with this little movie is that it not only borrows one or two things but has taken from all well-known romantic comedies with full hands. Strangely, though, it's not a disaster, not a complete one, at least. The cast does their best and it helps that Kate Hudson (don't wanna say she's overrated, but can be a real burden for any movie) has taken the role of the selfish best friend, which definitely suits her well. Ginnifer Goodwin, the main character, is cute but forgettable the moment you leave the cinema, while the male cast -- John Krasinski and Colin Egglesfield, do nothing more to model in front of the camera with the latest designer shirts out there. The film also suffers from some narrative issues, stemming from the fact that it's based on a novel, and at one moment starts to drag for so long that the pointless scenes (and believe me there are numerous) will poke you in the eye. Those seeking empty-minded fun in the hot summer nights, especially on a date which to keep them busy during the boring stuff, will enjoy it but you'd better wait for Bad Teacher next weekend... (A+) **
Trailer


Напускам те / Partir (Leaving) (France, limited) - It's French, it stars Kristin Scott Thomas and has a rating of 6.3 on IMDB. So for fans of French art films only ... (Van "no press screenings" Kris) *** 
The ratings:
***** Perfect
**** Unmissable
*** Fine
** So-so
* Stay away


сряда, 15 юни 2011 г.

BG Boxoffice Update - Weekend 10-12 June

The BO dominance was as tough as a game of chess
No movement at the top of the Bulgarian boxoffice where Kung Fu Panda 2 manages to stick for a second week in a row. The small decrease of 9% shows that Po and his pals will continue their dominance over the Bulgarian cinemas until at least Cars 2 invades them on 24 June. The latest Dreamworks animation has managed to earned around BGN 400,000 so far. In comparison the first Panda movie had around BGN 130,000 for the same period, which just shows how the cinema going experience in Bulgaria has changed over the past few years.

Slowly, but steadily, sailing to the 2 million threshold, the fourth instalment of Pirates of the Caribbean moves down only 11% and keeps the runner-up slot.

Also showing little signs of fading away, The Hangover Part II stands at #3 with a fall of just 8% over the weekend. The movie has laughed up above BGN 390,000 so far. The title has already surpassed the almost BGN 300,000 final result of the first Las Vegas-set part.

This leaves us to the highest new entry of the week which can be found as low as #4, where the technically fifth part of X-Men enters with BGN 47,000 over the weekend and BGN 88,000 including previews. Considering it is one of the best movies of the year so far, its weak result only shows that no-one pays attention about critic opinions. In addition, it comes in no 3D, so why bother? The fact that no-one knows who Michael Fassbender or even James McCavoy are, and the absence of Hugh Jackman, have also taken their toll. Still, I expect the results of First Class to stabilise over the next weeks, until at least Transformsers 3 finally smashes the mutants.

And to all who complain that arthouse movies have no viewers here, just look at the BGN 70,000 result of The Tree of Life at #5. Yes, I know that at least 75% of the audience wasn't aware for what was buying a ticket, but anyway, the distributor should be content with the figures.

The second new entry of the week comes in at #9. The latest Bulgarian title Shelter arrives after several prestigious awards, which however didn't help it even to beat the debut results of Lora From Morning Till Evening and Sbogom Mamo. With a total of BGN 8,600 so far, it seems that the film premise has drawn many away. Or maybe it was the lack of familiar TV faces, or that there have been too many Bulgarian titles in the multiplexes lately?

Should I mention the last new entry at all, as Dead Awake finds no audience and drew the miserable BGN 1,230 over the weekend.

Compared to my last week projections, all new entries considerably missed my targets for BGN 140,000 for X-Men, 35,000 for Shelter and 5,000 for Dead Awake...

Next weekend projections:
Super 8 - BGN 60,000 including previews
Something Borrowed - BGN 25,000

(Sources: Cinema sites from Bulgaria)

вторник, 14 юни 2011 г.

Only the latest - 13.06

The latest videos from Germany, UK and USA, including hot new videos by Kings of Leon, Melanie C, Plain White T's, Shakira and many more...

Playlist

Austria's Top Economic News - Week 6-12 June - Die Deutsche Version

Montag

Die Woche startete mit guten Nachrichten für Verbund, die größte Stadtwerke Österreichs. Die Firma bestätigte, dass sie kurz mit der Versorgung von 1.55m Kunden in der Türkei beginnen kann. Verbund kann Stromlieferungen zu der Leute in Antalya, Burdur und Isparta starten nach der Bestbieter für die Regionalversorgung seinen Antrag nicht erfüllen konnte.
Die HTI High Tech Industries AG begann mit ihrer letzten Kapitalerhöhung am Montag. Das Unternehmen plant EUR 6.64m aus der Transaktion aufzunehmen. 
Die Zukunft des insolventen Spielentwickler JoWooD erschien abgesichert am Montag, nach der schwedischen Wingefors Invest AB den Kauf von JoWooD vereinbart hat.

Dienstag

Am Dienstag zog die letzte Kapitalerhöhung der OMV die ganze Aufmerksamkeit auf sich. Die Firma schaffte EUR 725m mit der Transaktion aufzunehmen. Die Staatsholding OeIAG und sein Partner IPIC haben ihre vollen Bezugsrechte geübt. Damit blieben die Anteile der Eigentümer mit 50.1% stabil.
Media-berichten zufolge ist Telekom Austria bei der Privatisierung der PTK in Kosovo in die engere Wahl gekommen. Der Deal ist auf zwischen EUR 300m und EUR 600m geschätzt.
Am Dienstag teilte der Cateringspezialist DO & CO mit, dass sein Gewinn nach Steuern sich auf EUR 15.4m im Geschäftsjahr 2010/11 von EUR 9.7m ein Jahr davor erhöhte. Die Erlöse legten um 20.8% auf EUR 426.1m zu. Der Vorstand der Firma will eine Dividende von EUR 0.35 je Aktie vorschlagen.
Die Zuckergruppe Agrana sagte, dass sie die Produktion von Fruchtzubereitungen in Ägypten gestartet hat. Agrana wird 51% am Agrana Nile Fruits Joint Venture besitzen.
Am Dienstag war auch offengelegt, dass die Immobiliengesellschaft Immofinanz eine zweite Börsennotierung in Warschau plant.
Inzwischen veröffentlichte das Bauunternehmen Strabag, dass es einen Zuschlag von EUR 166m für den Bau einer Autobahn in Rumänien erhalten hat.

Mittwoch

Am Mittwoch zeigte Thomas Lingelbach, der neue Vorstandschef des Impfstoffhersteller Intercell, die neue Strategie der Firma auf. Die börsennotierte Intercell war von Schwierigkeiten bei ihren Entwicklungsprogrammen betroffen. Unter anderen plant Intercell nun ihre Koste um 50% zu reduzieren.
Zwei wichtige Übernahmenachrichten kommen am Mittwoch. EVN und Wien Energie teilten mit, dass sie einen Anteil von 26% an den Verbund Innkraftwerken gekauft haben. Ein Bericht zufolge lag der Preis auf EUR 350m. Inzwischen meldete Telekom Austria, dass sie mit Stadtwerken Bewag den Kauf von dem Kabelnetzbetreiber B.net für EUR 93m in Kroatien vereinbart hat.
Am Mittwochabend sagte die Kapsch TrafficCom, dass ihr Umsatz um 80% auf  EUR 388.6m im Fiskaljahr 2010/11 gestiegen ist. Das operative Ergebnis der Firma nahm von EUR 24.5m auf EUR 48.9m zu. Das Unternehmen will eine Dividende von EUR 1m, gegenüber EUR 0.75 im Fiskaljahr 2009/10, vorschlagen.

Donnerstag

Es gab keine wichtige Firmennachrichten am Donnerstag mit Ausnahme von dem Polytec. Der Autozulieferer teilte mit, dass er mit Toyota Boshoku Europe den Verkauf seiner Interioraktivitäten vereinbart hat.

Freitag

Zum Wochenende teilte die BKS Bank die Eröffnung einer neuen Filiale in Bratislava mit, während die Immobiliengesellschaft Immofinanz die Übernahme von 100% am Büroprojekt Equator in Warschau veröffentlichte.
Der Autozulieferer Miba meldete am Freitag, dass sein Umsatz um 41.5% auf EUR 138.7m in den ersten drei Monaten des Geschäftsjahres gestiegen ist. Das EBIT erhöhte sich auf EUR 13.6m von EUR 13.5m vor einem Jahr.
Die Austrian Airlines, AUA, sagte, dass die Nummer ihrer Fluggäste um 1.1% auf 1.025m in Mai zugenommen hat. Zwischen Jänner und Mai stieg die Zahl um 2.7%.

понеделник, 13 юни 2011 г.

Austria's Top Economic News - Week 6-12 June

Monday

The week started with a good news for Austria's leading utility Verbund. The company confirmed that it may soon start providing electricity to 1.55m clients in Turkey as the bidder which was awarded the supply contract for the region of Antalya, Burdur and Isparta could not fulfil its contractual agreement. 
HTI High Tech Industries AG launched on Monday its latest capital increase. The company envisages to raise EUR 6.64m via the transaction.
The future of insolvent game developer JoWooD seemed secured on Monday as Swedish Wingefors Invest AB had agreed to buy the assets of the Austrian company.

Tuesday

On Tuesday OMV's latest capital increase drew all the attention. The company's capital hike raised about EUR 725m. State holding OeIAG and its partner IPIC have exercised their entire subscription rights in the move. Thus they retained their 50.1% stake in the oil and gas group.
According to media reports, Telekom Austria has been shortlisted for the privatisation of PTK in Kosovo. The deal is estimated at between EUR 300m and EUR 600m.
On Tuesday catering specialist DO & CO said its net profit rose to EUR 15.4m for fiscal 2010/11 from EUR 9.7m a year earlier. Sales increased 20.8% to EUR 426.1m. The executive board will propose a dividend of EUR 0.35 for the year.
Sugar and fruit group Agrana said it has kicked off production of fruit preparations at its site in Egypt. Agrana will hold 51% in the Agrana Nile Fruits joint venture.
On Tuesday it was also revealed that real estate company Immofinanz will seek a second listing on the Warsaw stock exchange next to its primary listing in Vienna.
In addition, Strabag, the country's biggest construction group, announced the winning of a EUR 166m contract for motorway construction in Romania.

Wednesday

On Wednesday Thomas Lingelbach, the newly-appointed CEO of vaccine developer Intercell, revealed the new strategy of the company, which announced several blows in its development programme over the past few months. Among other things, the firm will now aim at a 50% reduction in costs.
Two important takeover news came out in mid-week. First utilities EVN and Wien Energie said they had taken 26% in Verbund Innkraftwerke. The deal price reportedly stood at EUR 350m. Later Telekom Austria said it had agreed with BEWAG over the takeover of the latter's cable TV provider B.net in Croatia for EUR 93m.
On Wednesday evening Kapsch TrafficCom revealed a revenue of EUR 388.6m for fiscal 2010/11, an increase of 80%. The company's EBIT rose to EUR 48.9m from EUR 24.5m. It will propose a dividend of EUR 1, up from EUR 0.75 a year earlier.

Thursday

Thursday was slow in terms of corporate news, with only the divestment of the interior activities of car parts supplier Polytec attracting any real attention. The company agreed to divest the non-core business to Toyota Boshoku Europe.


Friday

At the end of week BKS Bank announced the opening of a new branch in Bratislava, while Immofinanz revealed the full takeover of Warsaw's office building Equator.
Car parts supplier Miba said it had raised its sales by 41.5% to EUR 138.7m in the first quarter of fiscal 2011/12. EBIT rose slightly to EUR 13.6m from EUR 13.5m.
Austrian Airlines, or AUA, reported a 1.1% increase in passenger traffic in May to 1.025 persons. Between January and May, the number of passengers rose 2.7%.

събота, 11 юни 2011 г.

Austrian chart update - 10.06

Die Österreichische Hitparade 
(with a lot of album cuts)

The top three

1. Pietro Lombardi - Call My Name (4th week on top)
2. LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem
3. Snoop Dogg vs. David Guetta - Sweat
The new entries
 
31. James Cottriall - By Your Side **
32. Pitbull ft. Chris Brown - International Love *
34. Pietro Lombardi - Down *
37. Pietro Lombardi - Que Sera Sera *
50. Keri Hilson - Pretty Girl Rock *
64. Black Eyed Peas - Don't Stop The Party *
73. Depeche Mode - Personal Jesus 2011

* - Still to enter the German charts
** - pure Austrian stuff

петък, 10 юни 2011 г.

German chart comments - Issue date - 10.06.2011

A fourth week atop the German singles chart for Pietro Lombardi, who can now congratulate himself with doing a double as his debut album shoots itself straight at the summit of the LP chart. 

Pietro's closest challenger in the singles chart is the "Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO, which by the looks of it is destined to be next week's number one. 

Inside the top ten new peaks this week by Adele's "Set Fire To The Rain" at #6, whose climb will finally come to an end soon either by reaching #1 or by being outsold by other strong contenders for the top. Last week's debutant Brooke Fraser is also on the rise and advances a position to #8 with "Something In The Water".
Video - Brooke Fraser

The highest of only four new entries in the Top 100 comes from Bruno Mars, who follows his number one smash "Grenade" with "Lazy Song". The latter creeps this week at #9. 

After last week we had Andreas Bourani entering the countdown for the first time at #16, this time around German music (and especially its male solo representatives) shows yet another sign of renaissance as Tim Bendzko brings his pilot single "Nur noch kurz die Welt retten" at #12. 

In the top 20 new peaks achieved this week by Jupiter Jones' "Still" at #11, Alexandra Stan's "Mr. Saxobeat" at #14 and Bag Raiders' "Way Back Home" at #20. The latter soars eighteen positions in its second week and for now looks to be yet another advertisement-inspired hit in Germany. 

Two steps behind the Aussies climbs Frida Gold, whose "Wovon sollen wir träumen" is increasingly becoming a strong hit for the German band. 

The third new entry comes at #30 from so-hot-right-now Chris Brown. His collaboration with DJ Benny Benassi marks the second release from Chris Brown's current album "Fame" and comes after the mega success of "Yeah 3X", which now occupies the 28th position. 

After appearing for just a week at the lower end of the chart several weeks ago, the latest remixes of Depeche Mode's "Personal Jesus" return for yet another, this time more successful, attempt for a countdown dominance. Thus the single reenters at #36 this week. 

The latest new entry at #40 belongs to Thomas Anders, the better half of Modern Talking (just kidding here), who has teamed with  Fahrenkrog for "Gigolo". Nostalgia at a full max!
The Album Chart

As it became clear Pietro Lombardi has managed to kick off Lady Gaga's sophomore album at the summit as his "Jackpot" goes straight at #1. In comparison, the debut album of last year's winner Mehrzad Marashi reached #3. Thus Gaga retreats to #2 and Adele to #3. The next new entry comes for the pleasure of all schlager fans as Michael Wendler's latest album "Donnerwetter" goes in at #7. German duo Haudegen is responsible for the third and last new entry inside the top ten with "Schlicht & Ergreifend" showing at #10.

In BG Cinemas from June 10

X Men: Първа вълна / X Men: First Class - I'm biased here. I loved the first two X:Men movies and even found something intriguing in the much maligned third instalment and in the Wolverine flick. So the chances to not like the current film were always slim and thankfully The First Class delivers a first class movie. Coming hot on Kick Ass from last year (the five-star movie was unfortunately seen by only a few) director Matthew Vaughn definitely knows his staff when comic movies are concerned. And even the extremely tight shooting schedule (about ten months or so) didn't stop him making a perfect comic flick. Though the main story about the conflict between Professor X and Magneto has already been presented in the original trilogy, the First Class strangely doesn't feel redundant even for a second.


This feat can be attributed to the stellar cast, with James McCavoy and Michael Fassbender taking the lead mutant roles. McCavoy has already shown his acting chops and though his role as Charles was not the meatier one here, he injects his character with charm and wittiness, showing a likeable and enjoying side of the man who will become the most powerful telepathist out there. The real star of the show however is Fassbender, who has been only rising over the past few years (check out the more-than-great Hunger and Fish Tank) and now makes the role of Magneto his own (I'm sure Sir Ian McKellen would not mind). Seeking vengeance, the young Magneto travels across the globe appearing in a scene after scene, changing only languages, but delivering many of the best moments of First Class. It only helps that Kevin Bacon has taken the role as the film's antagonist, who is just magnificent, giving another proof why the roles of the psycho can be considered his own trademark. Among the other characters, yes, there are many young mutants showing here and there, and though many critics complain that the movie could do without some of them, my personal opinion is that everyone had its moment to shine at the end. The bonus points however should go to Emma Frost, Banshee and Beast. Oh, and the film boasts two amazing cameos, which will make the geeks inside of you scream with joy. As the story unfolds in the 60s of the last century, the director and his crew have taken the liberty to make one of the most stylish popcorn movies with amazing sets and striking costumes. It's classy whichever you look at it. And it's the best summer blockbuster so far in 2011. (Alexandra) ****1/2
Trailer 


Подслон / Shelter (Bulgaria) - Another week, another Bulgarian movie in the multiplexes. And this is neither irony nor complaint. Shelter comes after winning the best prize at this year's Sofia Film Fest and with the crown for the best Bulgarian film for the past 12 months. Watching the movie it's clear why. With its socio drama and uneasy answers related to the widening gap between generations, Shelter reminds of some of the best Romanian movies coming over the last few years. (the fact that it's screenwriter is also responsible for 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days explains a lot). The final result is an astonishingly well-done for a first-time director movie, but with a narrative burdened by long silent shots infused with drama and misery. In other words, some colour (in every sense of the word) would have make it better. Another problem is the cast, the parents are a little bit theatrical, while their child simply cannot act. All this is thankfully somewhat offset by the fresh faces of the boy's friends Silvia Gerina and Irena Hristoskova, who just steal every shot they are in. (A+) ***1/2
Trailer 


Мървешко пробуждане / Dead Awake - The fact that this DTD horror crap has managed to receive a wide release in Bulgaria, while titles such as Arthur, Country Strong, Beastly, Hereafter and Monte Carlo were cancelled, is just another achievement in the history of our distribution market. And it's a further proof of my theory that sometimes it's better to be an independent film rather than a Hollywood one in order to get a release here. Just wish it was Insidious or Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark instead. (Alexandra) *
Trailer 


Next weekend's previews:
Super 8 - Cloverfield meets ET but in a good way ****

The ratings:
***** Perfect
**** Unmissable
*** Fun
** So-so
* Stay away


четвъртък, 9 юни 2011 г.

BG Boxoffice Update - Weekend 3-5 June

Storming the BO the kung fu style
The reign of the pirates over the Bulgarian boxoffice has come to an end with the arrival of Po and his friends. The Panda gang managed to kick off Jack Sparrow and co. from the summit and to rule the weekend with BGN 128,267, or a total of BGN 188,167 including previews. Bulgarians love 3D animation, it's a universal truth and in comparison Rio made BGN 197,016 in its debut in April, but without having the privilege to be played with preview screenings. The first Kung Fu Panda finished its run with a total of USD 219,976 during the long forgotten (Prooptiki) time.

This weekend Pirates 4 retreats with a decrease of 35% to #2, but with a total of BGN 1.4m on its account has already turned into the biggest Disney film on these shores. As there are no comparative figures for the past, let's just say that this record is only for the latest so-called multiplex era in the Bulgarian cinema distribution. 

I was 100% certain that the good word-of-mouth will keep The Hangover Part II afloat as the wolf pack registers a minor 14% fall this weekend and already has the more-than-respectable BGN 252,793 in its bottle. 

Lured by the idea to watch Sean Penn and Brad Pitt together on the big screens many went to see The Tree Of Life this weekend. The movie bagged BGN 18,358 between Friday and Sunday and BGN 36,363 including previews. Having in mind that it's a completely arthouse movie, the result is more than welcome for its distributor. Nevertheless I can only feel sympathy to all who had to sit through the Malick flick next to people, for example мутри (thugs) and чалга принцеси (stupid chicks), who of course had no fucking idea for what they were buying a ticket... 

A position behind the aforementioned mess enters the latest Bulgarian movie which has hit our screens. Lora From Morning Till Evening is definitely a pleasant surprise for our film-making industry and to tell you a secret next weekend's The Shelter though good is definitely not so entertaining as the adventures of Lora. The latter made BGN 14,144, which unfortunately is just nothing compared to sh*tty movies such as the one with the dot in the title.

Compared to my last week projections, all new films came almost spot on. The Panda made slightly higher than my BGN 160,000 forecast, The Tree Of Life almost hit my BGN 35,000 projection and Lora was slightly lower than the expected BGN 20,000.

Next weekend projections:

X:Men - First Class -  BGN 140,000, including previews
The Shelter - BGN 35,000
Dead Awake - BGN 5,000


(BGN 1 = USD 0.75 = EUR 0.51)

вторник, 7 юни 2011 г.

No Prom/Bridesmaids/African Cats in Bulgaria!!!

Steady girls! There'll be no wedding here!
Another week, another example of unfair treatment of the Bulgarian cinema market. Two Disney movies expectedly gone, while another Universal title will only pass us by. But let's handle the cases separately:

The moment one of my colleagues started writing a long feature on Prom, I told him this movie would never get a distribution here. Just don't pay attention to what the distributor says, write for something else! He didn't listen. Anyway, the idea to distribute a movie about graduation from high school several weeks after the same event finishes in Bulgaria was never the most brilliant one. The film would have found success only if it was played in the peak of the prom hysteria in Bulgaria. And believe me, the fact that there is no single familiar face in the cast and worse - the film was a real flop even in its native USA have never worked for it getting a distribution here. The critics say it's awful, so no regrets (perhaps).
Trailer

But just forget about Prom, the case with Bridesmaids is quite the opposite. At the time of writing, the comedy has (take a deep breath) - a 7.7 rating on IMDB, 88% on Rottentomates and almost USD 108m in its BO run in the USA so far, with one of the smallest weekly declines this summer. The movie was declared a hit by critics, market observers and the audience. So why not distribution here? It's a Universal movie ladies and gentlemen! And we know that we are not worthy of their high-valued production. And while the cancellation of Your Highness and Paul was understandable (they did not make a lot of bucks abroad), this of Hop was a regrettable mistake, the no-release of Bridesmaids in Bulgaria is just too much. I personally cannot remember any successful Universal comedy from the past few years which we did not get here - even Funny People and Definitely Maybe somehow crept onto our screens. But in 2011 the situation is different! And we should be thankful for at least one or two movies per year from the aforementioned studio. And even should bring them flowers and sweets! Without having any insight into the situation, I'm certain that there are huge problems between the studio and its local distributors, but please for the cinema goers sake deal with them immediately!!!
Trailer 

And last, someone somewhere had included African Cats in the Bulgarian release schedule for this autumn. The moment I saw this, I just couldn't stop laughing. A documentary of Disney on the big screen here? Months after the US release, are you kidding me? That was never going to happen. And officially it will not...
Responsible - Disney/Universal abroad & Forum Film here

Austria's Top Economic News - Week 30 May-5 June - Deutsche Version

Montag
Der Faserspezialist Lenzing sagte zum Wochenbeginn, dass er bis zu 825,000 neue Aktien begeben will. Inzwischen plant sein Mehrheitseigentümer B&C bis zu 5.49m von seinen Aktien am Markt zu platzieren. Damit will Lenzing seinen Streubezitz auf 33% bis 35% von derzeit 10% erhöhen. Oberbank, die 3% beim Faserhersteller kontrolliert, ankündigte, dass sie in den Kapitalmaßnahmen teilnehmen will. 

Die C.A.T. Oil AG veröffentlichte am Montag einen Verlust nach Steuern von EUR 1m für die ersten drei Monaten des Jahres gegenüber einem Gewinn von EUR 1m vor einem Jahr. Das Ergebnis war von Steuereffekten belastet. Der Umsatz stieg allerdings um 29.4% auf EUR 61m. Die Firma bestätigt ihren Ausblick für das ganze Jahr. 

Motorradehesteller KTM meldete am Montagabend, dass er sein Kapital um EUR 45,000 erhöhen will.

Dienstag

Der österreichische Stahlspezialist Voestalpine meldete am Dienstag, dass sein Umsatz um 28.1% auf EUR 10.954bn im letzten Geschäftsjahr gestiegen ist. Das EBIT der Linz Gruppe nahm 180% auf EUR 984.8m zu. Der Voestalpine erwartet einen weiteren Aufstieg bei seinem Ergebnis im aktuellen Jahr. Die Gruppe plant eine Dividende von EUR 0.80 für das 2010/11 Fiskaljahr.

Das Bauunternehmen Strabag veröffentlichte eine Bauleistung von EUR 2.31bn in den ersten drei Monaten des Jahres, eine Aufnahme von 26% gegenüber der gleichen Periode von 2010. Die operative Verlust verringerte sich auf EUR 145.4m von EUR 149.9m. Die Firma erhöhte auch ihren Ausblick für 2011 und 2012.

Versicherer Uniqa teilte am Dienstag mit, dass er eine deutliche Kapitalerhöhung und eine Zunahme seines Streubesitzes in 2013 plant. Die Haupteigentümer des Uniqa könnten ihre Anteile um bis 51% reduzieren. Die neue Strategie des Versicherungskonzerns wurde von dem neuen Vorstandschef Andreas Brandstetter angekündigt.

Anlagebauer Hirsch Servo AG meldete am Dienstag einen Umsatz von EUR 66.9m in den ersten drei Quartalen des Geschäftsjahres, eine Zunahme von 16%. Das Unternehmen veröffentlichte ein EBIT von EUR 0.34m, gegenüber einem Verlust von EUR 5.89m vor einem Jahr.

Im Zuge der Pläne vom Faserhersteller Lenzing seinen Streubesitz zu erhöhen, plant Haupteigentümer B&C seinen Anteil auf 65% zu verringern. 

Mittwoch

Die österreichische Arbeitslosigkeit setzte ihren Rückgang im Mai fort. Mai war der erste Monat nach der vollen Eröffnung des österreichischen Arbeitsmarkts für Osteuropa. Die Arbeitslosnummer sank um 2.5% gegenüber dem selben Monat des letzten Jahres. Die Arbeitslosenquote war 6.1% nach den österreichischen Kalkulationen. 

Am Mittwoch gab es auch die Nachricht, dass Jürgen Danzmayr, der Manager von Private Banking bei der Bank Austria, zu der Schwesterfirma HypoVereinsbank in München wechseln wird. 

Als Reaktion auf die Entscheidung von Deutschland aus ihren Kernkräften zu aussteigen, sagte Wolfgang Anzengruber, der Vorstandschef von der österreichischen größten Stadtwerke Verbund, dass er mit einem kontinuierlichen Anstieg der Strompreisen rechnet. 

Donnerstag - Christi Himmelfahrt - Feiertag

Freitag 

Der Softwarespezialist Fabasoft AG teilte am Freitag mit, dass er eine Ermächtigung von seinen Aktionären zum Aufstieg seines Kapital um bis zu EUR 2.5m will.

Am Freitag behielt Standard & Poor's ihres A Kreditrating für die Uniqa Gruppe und ihres A- für UNIQA-Versicherungen. Der Ausblick blieb allerdings negative.

Moody's gab am Frietag ein Rating von Baa3 für die Hybridanleihe von der OMV. Der Ausblick ist stabil.
Die Ölgruppe sagte sie erneut Öl in Nordirak gefunden hat.

Austria's Top Economic News - Week 30 May-5 June

Monday
Fibre producer Lenzing announced at the start of the week plans to issue up to 825,000 new shares. Its majority shareholder B&C will sell 5.49m shares on the market. Via the measures, the company aims to raise its free float to between 33% and 35% from 10% currently. Oberbank, which owns 3% in the company, said it will fully exercise its subscription rights in the move.

C.A.T. Oil AG reported on Monday a net loss of EUR 1m for the first three months of 2011, compared to a profit of EUR 1m a year earlier. The result was burdened by tax effects. Sales rose 29.4% to EUR 61m. The company confirmed its expectations for 2011.

Motorcycle producer KTM said in the evening of Monday it will raise its share capital by EUR 45,000.

Tuesday

Steel specialist Voestalpine said on Tuesday its sales grew 28.1% to EUR 10.954bn in fiscal 2010/11. The company's EBIT soared 180% to EUR 984.8m. Voestalpine expects a further considerable increase in earnings in the current fiscal year. The group plans a dividend of EUR 0.80 for 2010/11.

Builder Strabag announced an output of EUR 2.31bn for the first quarter of 2011, up 26% on the year. The operating loss decreased to EUR 145.4m from EUR 149.9m. The company raised considerably its outlook for 2011 and 2012.

Insurer Uniqa revealed its plans for a considerable capital increase and boosting of its free float for 2013. The main shareholders will be able to reduce their shareholdings to around 51% after the move. The new strategy of the company was announced by newly-appointed CEO Andreas Brandstetter.

Hirsch Servo AG reported on Tuesday sales of EUR 66.9m for the first nine months of fiscal 2010/11, up 16%. The company booked EBIT of EUR 0.34m, compared to a loss of EUR 5.89m for the same period of 2009/10.

As part of the announced plans of Lenzing to issue new shares and raise its free float, main shareholder B&C said it plans to reduce its 90% stake to 65%.

Wednesday

Unemployment in Austria continued to decrease in May, the first month after the opening of the labour market for eastern Europe. The number of unemployed fell 2.5% in annual terms, resulting in an unemployment rate of 6.1% under Austrian calculations.

On Wednesday it was announced that Jürgen Danzmayr, head of private banking at Bank Austria, will move to sister company HypoVereinsbank in Munich.

In a reaction of Germany's decision to step out of nuclear energy, Wolfgang Anzengruber, CEO of Austria's biggest utility Verbund, projected a continuing increase in electricity prices in the future. He called for an increase in energy efficiency and for keeping the prices affordable for the business.

Thursday - Ascension Day / Public Holiday in Austria

Friday

Software company Fabasoft AG said it will seek from its shareholders authorisation for increasing its capital by up to EUR 2.5m in the next five years.

On Friday Standard & Poor's kept its A credit rating on the Uniqa group and its A- on UNIQA-Versicherungen. The outlook however remains negative.

In another rating news, Moody's said it has rated the hybrid notes of OMV with Baa3 and stable outlook.
OMV, in its turn, said it has made a new oil discovery in northern Iraq.

Only the latest - 6.06

The latest music from Germany, UK and USA, with new videos from Kaiser Chiefs (yes!) and Linkin Park, plus interesting live performances from American Idol.

събота, 4 юни 2011 г.

German chart comments - Issue date - 3.06.2011

No one can stop Pietro Lombardi from being the German chart champion and the guy clocks up a third week atop the countdown. Jennifer Lopez is once again immovable from the second position, while the Party Rock Anthem rises two positions and peaks at #3.

The highest new entry comes (somewhat surprisingly) by Brooke Fraser. The singer is a complete newcomer for the German charts, despite being a star in her native New Zealand. "Something In The Water" comes from Brooke's third studio album and its arrival at #9 just shows how Germans like radio-friendly songs.

The impact of Eurovision continues to be felt after the contest final three weeks ago. Thus Ireland-representatives, the annoying/funny (delete depending on taste) twins Jedward break the German top 20 boundary with their "Lipstick". The Pet Shop Boys influence is so obvious (especially in the video), which only helped the two boys to enter this week at #12.

The final new entry in the top 20 comes from newcomer Andreas Bourani at #16. There is not much to be said for the German singer, except that he has been recently on tour with local star Clueso.  

A special mentioning for several peaks among the first twenty this week. After a steady and unbroken climb Adele scores a second top 10 single in Germany after "Set Fire To The Rain" rises to #8 from #13. A new peak also for Jupiter Jones' "Still" at #13, while Romanian star Alexandra Stan enters the top 20 for the first time. She is now officially more successful in Germany than peer Inna. 

Further down the top 50 new peaks also by Natasha Bedingfield's "Pocketful Of Sunshine" at #32, DJ Antoine's "Welcome To St. Tropez" at #34, Pitbull's "Bon Bon", which soars from #92 to #39 and Bob Sinclar's "Far l'amore" at #46.
Video  - Natasha

Apart from the entry of Jedward at #12, the Eurovision's winners, Azerbaijan's Ell and Nikki, enter this week at #33. As long as winning songs are concerned, this position can be considered a moderate success. Last year's "Satellite" was of course number one, while two years ago Alexander Rybak's "Fairytale" reached #4. 

Thanks to the use of their music in a commercial of Vodafone, Australian duo Bag Raiders has its first single in the German charts as "Way Back Home" arrives new at #38. Seven positions below the tough times for German band Scooter continue as their latest "The Only One" enters the countdown at #45. If the song does not advance any further, it would be officially their least successful single ever. And if this was passable for previous single "Friends Turbo" as it was taken from a soundtrack and was actually a remix of an old Scooter song (it still reached #43), this time around there is nothing of consolation. The song is based on Charlatans' "The Only One I Know" from 1990, which never entered the German charts.

And the remaining new entries with videos:

#48 Eric Saade - Popular - A good new entry for the Swedish representative at Eurovision.

#54 Cee Lo Green - Bright Lights Bigger City - Perhaps the best single of Cee Lo so far.

#59 Jay Khan - Nackt - Jay was famous as part of US5, now he is known for his habit to walk naked on the streets...

#62 Jay Sean feat. Lil Wayne - Hit The Lights

#90 Electric Lady Lab - You & Me 

Oh, and this week makes history as the fall of Krypteria's hymn of Borussia Dortmund to #80 from #6 is the biggest fall in the top 100 ever...
Video

The Album Chart 

The album charts all over the world have been stormed by Ms. Germanotta and Germany makes no exception. Lady Gaga's second LP shoots itself directly at #1 and thus becomes singer's second album to reach the summit after the multiplatin status of "The Fame". At the same time Adele and Soehne Mannheims swap places and take this week the second and the third positions, respectively
The top ten also sees new entries belonging to local soul diva Joy Denalane at #8 and Swedish metal gurus HammerFall at #9.