Heart of iron
Iron ore production has become gradually more important to Assmang (abbreviated from Associated Manganese Mines of South Africa). Founded in 1935, until comparatively recently it specialised in manganese extraction; today it has three operating divisions based on chrome, manganese and iron ore, the last of which is being dramatically extended, as John OÔÇÖHanlon learned.

A prolific portfolio
With a diverse range of projects under its belt and many more on the horizon, Turkish construction company Ant Yapi is making a name for itself, both in its native country and in Russia. Now, it is seeking to diversify and expand still furtherÔÇöwithout compromising on quality.

Privatising power
A major privatisation of the power sector in the Gulf state of Oman is encouraging plenty of investment into a very lucrative sphere. The Al Kamil Power Company is one business benefiting from the system, producing both electricity and excellent results.

Ajwa Port Services is investing 200 million Saudi riyal in a programme of expansion at the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea. Saleh Al Fadhli talks to Gay Sutton about the company's plans to become a major regional port services player.

Africa-focused mining group Petra Diamonds has announced that it has found one of the worldÔÇÖs largest, highest-quality diamonds ever at its Cullinan mine, north-east of Pretoria, South Africa.

BASF, the worldÔÇÖs largest chemical company, has announced it will invest Ôé¼2 billion in China and other areas of Asia over the next four years.

Photocopier giant Xerox has announced it is acquiring US firm Affiliated Computer Services (ACS) for $6.4 billion.  The deal will provide Xerox with data management and technology outsourcing capabilities, allowing it to gain a foothold in the rapidly expanding business process outsourcing (BPO) market.  Norwalk, Connecticut-based Xerox is the worldÔÇÖs biggest supplier of digital printer and document management services.

China is seeking to greatly expand its African oil reserves by bidding for a sixth of Nigeria's crude reserves, according to a report in the Financial Times (FT).

Abbott Laboratories has acquired the drugs unit of Belgian drugs, chemicals and plastics maker Solvay for $6.5 billion, it announced today. In addition to the purchase price of $6.5 billion, Illinois-based Abbott will also pay up to another $440 million in contingent payments between 2011 and 2013, depending on the performance of certain products.  The deal will add more than $3 billion to AbbottÔÇÖs annual sales, most of which will come from overseas.