The Indian Express The Financial Express Latest News Elections '98 Express Investment Week Market Indicators Screen Express Computers Travel & Tourism Advertisers Forum Information Technology Drumbeat: Ad Buzzaar Astrosurf Eco-India Career India Business Forum Match Maker Express Properties

Corporate Economy Expressions Markets Leisure 21 February 1998   Siemens to prune medical-engineering business Power-utilities major Siemens India, in a bid to prune its medical-engineering business, plans to close down its oldest medical-equipment factory at Worli in central Mumbai. The Worli unit manufactures various types of X-ray machines, sonography equipment, generators and other machines related to medical diagnosis.   Lucent Technologies eyes a slice of local area network market Lucent Technologies will vie to capture the growing local area network market (LAN) in India since it foresees vast potential in this segment. The new system is particularly relevant as modern United Breweries puts lager launch plans on ice in Kerala market TE United Breweries (UB) Group is likely to defer the launch of its premium brand lager ice in Kerala, considering the shrinking of the state's beer market. With the steep fall in beer sales in the state even in peak season, it was felt that the market in the state would not be receptive to a premium brand. Eicher Goodearth to offload part of equity in wholly-owned subsidiary The Eicher Goodearth Limited is offloading part equity of its wholly owned subsidiary -- Eicher Consultancy Services Limited (ESCL) -- to the $63 million Strategic Decisions Group (SDG). ESCL has entered into an agreement with the US-based management consultancy firm to form a 50:50 company.   HLL still full of beans over domestic coffee market Hindustan Lever Ltd has clearly spelt out its decision of not withdrawing from the coffee business in the country as the same is profitable as part of its beverages portfolio. It was a brave move on HLL's part since Unilever's has decided to withdraw itself from the coffee business in most of the markets world over. Dunlop management submits revival plan The Dunlop India board submitted its revival plan to the Union finance ministry. However, the plan has not yet been forwarded to the West Bengal government. The plan submitted to the Union finance ministry hinges on the immediate availability of working capital from banks and financial institutions.   vspace=5>