Business

The multinational chemical company, with a strong presence in Catalonia, increases sales in Spain in the first quarter of 2010 despite the effects of the economic crisis in the construction and automobile sectors.

The number of tourists that visited Catalonia this May increased by 2.3% in comparison to May of 2009, despite the volcano ash cloud. Catalonia remains the first autonomous community in number of foreign visitors.

The Bank of Spain?s Governor demands that autonomous communities and local administrations cut public expenditure even more. He has added that most of the means announced by these public administrations are too far from the level of reductions the Spanish

High-speed trains, regional trains, subways and buses will combine into the greatest transport hub of Barcelona, La Sagrera. The Catalan President considers this huge project as ?an example of cooperation between the different administrations?.

Catalan manufacturers have improved their activity during the first quarter of 2010, a positive trend that depends on the evolution of the debt crisis, says the Secretary for Industry and Business.

The largest financial institution in Catalonia and the largest savings bank in Europe, La Caixa, agreed to merge with Caixa Girona. Yesterday evening, La Caixa?s board approved the merger with the medium sized Girona savings bank.

While most European airports operate at over-capacity, Barcelona's airport has the potential to 'expand' and reach up to 50 million travellers, according to the industry.

Catalan President José Montilla asks for 'solidarity and cooperation' with the Spanish Government in the economic system reform and the labour market. Catalonia represents almost 20% of Spain GDP and it is its main export centre.

President of Spanair offers first year results at new Terminal T1 at El Prat airport. The single hub policy at Catalan capital has led to an increase in the number of passengers over the last year

Lawyer Roberto Oronti's project to begin in July on Facebook and other social networks

Finn Erling Kydland says new political status would generate financial confidence and attract investment

The Catalan savings bank Caixa Laietana has finally decided to participate in the merger led by Caja Madrid. This merger would allow all the savings banks to keep their names as separate brands.

According to the Spanish statistics institute, annual inflation in Spain is fixed at 1.8% and prices have risen in May in the same proportion than in Catalonia, 3 decimals. The subjacent inflation in Spain has abandoned its negative sign and is set at 0.2

The first Catalan private bank is coming to an agreement to merge with Banco Guipuzcoano, from the Basque Country. Banc Sabadell would absorb the Basque bank through an exchange of actions. If the merging comes to an end, it will be the first merging of 2

The 3.4 billion dollar purchase of Talecris Biotherapeutics will allow Grifols to occupy third spot in the US. Grifols already leads the production in Europe. While the operation will generate millions of euros, it is expected to raise Grifols? immediate