Business in brief
Franchise awards shortlist released
Franchise: The Irish Franchise Association has announced the shortlist for this year's Franchise Awards.
Finalists in the retail category are O'Brien's Sandwich Bars, The Bagel Bar, Abrakebabra, The Streat and Apache Pizza.
In the service sector, the finalists for the awards include Snap Print, Signs Express, Shredit, Price Ink and Chem-Dry Ireland.
Finalists for the best emerging franchise are Kendlebell, Handyman Matters, The Streat, Zumo, Munster Tool.
O'Brien ups his stake in INM
MEDIA
Businessman Denis O'Brien has increased his stake in Independent News & Media to just over 11pc, from 10.3pc.
The share price in the purchase was undisclosed.
New directors for Helix Health
HEALTHCARE
Healthcare IT solutions provider Helix Health Limited has announced the appointment of Lar Bradshaw and Dr. Maurice Cox, FRCSI, as non-executive directors of the company.
John Bolger, meanwhile, assumes the position of Chief Finance Officer.
Shannon firm records €60m loss
PHARMACEUTICAL
Shannon-based pharmaceutical firm, Schwarz Pharma recorded a loss last year of €60m, according to accounts lodged with the Companies Office.
Solid growth for Holcim cement
BUILDING
CEMENT maker Holcim reported a 28pc rise in 3Q net profit, benefiting from an expansion into India and solid demand in other emerging markets.
Net profit rose to 877 million Swiss francs (€524.8m), from 684 million Swiss francs in the same three-month period last year.
Oil prices boost Total profits
OIL
FRENCH oil company Total SA said Wednesday that third-quarter net profit rose 29pc thanks to record oil prices and increased production.
Net profit in the three months through September rose to €3.12bn, compared with €2.42bn a year earlier, according to Total.
Third-quarter sales rose 3pc to €39.43bn .
Upstream production rose 2.5pc in, helped by Total's Dalia field facility in Angola.
