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UniCredit CEO says prepared to wait on Commerzbank decision
UniCredit CEO says prepared to wait on Commerzbank decision
by  AFP

UniCredit's chief executive said Wednesday he could wait until 2027 to determine whether a takeover of Germany's Commerzbank made sense for Italy's second-largest bank. "At this point, patience is the most important point because we need to execute on our plan, get it done well," said UniCredit chief executive Andrea Orcel Wednesday.

Global music business raked in $29.6 bn in 2024: report
Global music business raked in $29.6 bn in 2024: report
by  AFP

The global music industry raked in a record $29.6 billion last year as online streaming propelled revenues to their highest level since records began in the 1990s, new figures showed on Wednesday. Streaming now accounts for more than two-thirds (69 percent) of global revenues, or $20.4 billion.

Santander to close one fifth of UK branches amid online switch
Santander to close one fifth of UK branches amid online switch
by  AFP

Spanish bank Santander announced Wednesday plans to close one fifth of its UK branches, impacting 750 jobs, as the switch to online banking gathers pace. As part of the restructuring, Santander plans to contribute to the expansion of local banking hubs and to use "community bankers" who will provide face-to-face support.

French billionaire Bollore targeted in fraud case over Africa ports
French billionaire Bollore targeted in fraud case over Africa ports
by  AFP

Groups from five African countries filed fraud and corruption complaints Wednesday accusing French billionaire Vincent Bollore and one of his sons of illegally obtaining and benefitting from port concessions. Wednesday's complaint now accuses Bollore of corruption, benefitting from influence peddling and the unlawful taking of interests of local officials in Cameroon, Ghana and Ivory Coast.

Tech firms fight to stem deepfake deluge
Tech firms fight to stem deepfake deluge
by  AFP

Tech firms are fighting the scourge of deepfakes, those deceptively realistic voices or videos used by scammers that are more available than ever thanks to artificial intelligence. Ever-improving generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools have become weapons in the hands of bad actors intent on tricking people out of their money or even their identities.