Attempts to create a unified patent system could be set back by a decade if member states fail to agree a final package by the end of June

The sale of a 20% stake in Apatit, the fertiliser producer, is put on hold after two of the three bidders withdrew from the tender at the last minute

With banks already reeling under regulatory pressure after the last crisis, the last thing they need are measures that will only add to the burden

Votes cast on Sunday will set in motion what could be days even months of nail-biting negotiations between Greece and its creditors

Ryanair may be forced to sell its stake in Aer Lingus after a decision by the Office of Fair Trading to refer the matter to the Competition Commission

Move by Gerhard Gribkowsky, who is at the centre of bribery charges involving the motor racing group, could lead to a conclusion of the trial

Vladimir Putin has moved to further weaken his PM's control over the energy sector, creating a special presidential commission for strategic development of the sector

Mr Hollande's stability pact falls far short of the sort of sovereignty-sharing Berlin says its wants. But then, Berlin may want too much

Appointment of Philipp Hildebrand, ex-Swiss National Bank chairman, highlights asset management giant's rise in influence in world of finance

While BP has made mistakes and suffered some bloody noses with its Russian joint venture, its financial gamble has, broadly, paid off

Some say the most common response is likely to be further salary inflation to rebalance the ratio, but that will reduce flexibility in tough times

Concern among some of world's top central bank officials ahead of Greek election this weekend, seen as a pivotal moment for future of single currency