Danish brewer Carlsberg is selling its Russian unit, Baltika Breweries, to VG Invest for $322mn after President Putin ended state control, following a decree in July 2023. The deal, expected to close soon, involves a management buyout by Baltika employees and will settle lawsuits and IP rights issues, with Carlsberg also gaining control of assets in Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. Analysts note that while Carlsberg avoids leaving empty-handed, companies that exited Russia at the war’s onset fared better financially.
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Businesses Are Betting on a Tax Cut Extension
The second Trump presidency has started with mass firings, tariff threats, and budget negotiations, causing uncertainty among investors despite initial market confidence. Extension of tax cuts is expected, but the cost remains a concern, leading to discussions on potential spending cuts. The bond market remains calm amidst trade tensions, as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's policies and cost-cutting efforts by Elon Musk's DOGE initiative aim to shape the economic outlook and deficit reduction strategies. Full Article
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