Merck, the German pharmaceuticals and chemicals company, has agreed to buy the Massachusetts-based laboratory supplies maker Millipore for $7.2 billion including net debt.

Magnetising the world
Piet Veenema, CEO of Kendrion, and Bernd Gundelsweiler, business unit manager of the companyÔÇÖs Passenger Car Systems division, talk to Jayne Flannery about what it takes to make an impact in the world of electromagnetic components.
In the rarefied world of electromagnetics, Kendrion is a name that stands out. The company is recognised as one of the worldÔÇÖs leading manufacturers of electromagnetic components. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company has more than 1,000 employees.

The next generation
The worldÔÇÖs largest dry-cooled power stationÔÇöthe largest power station in AfricaÔÇöis under construction near Lephalale in South Africa. It will not only boost power production by 4,800 megawatts but will also play an important role in job creation in the region. Project manager Roman Crookes talks to Gay Sutton about the project.

Core of the business
Enrico Barbaglia, vice president of Mining in Southern Africa with energy solutions provider AREVA, talks to Jayne Flannery about the challenges of the business.
AREVA is the worldÔÇÖs largest uranium producer. It has a market share of about 15 per cent and is active in four out of the worldÔÇÖs five richest uranium producing countries. The extensive mining interests of AREVA cover exploration, extraction and the processing of uranium ore; and the reclamation of sites after production has finished.

Science and serendipity
Opportunities often come about by chance but making the most of what lands at your feet is a matter of good management, as Alan Swaby learns.

Sharing the wealth
Vale, the worldÔÇÖs second largest mining company, will be opening a new coal mine in Mozambique next year. Ben Sansom lifts the veil on corporate social responsibility and discovers the efforts Vale is making to ensure the benefits percolate through to the local community.

On the Pulse of safety
For Technip Germany, success has been earned through dedication, vision and an industry-leading approach to safety that continues to gather momentum. Becky Done talks to CEO Mesut Sahin to find out more.
Technip Germany is part of the Paris-based Technip Group, a world leader in engineering, technologies, construction and project management for the oil and gas industry.

Sustainability seekers
Shell Gabon is celebrating its 50th anniversary of operations in the West African country of Gabon. Roger Ratanga and Eric Soselisa explain more about the companyÔÇÖs approach towards sustainability and its vision for the years to come.

Masters of all they survey
For one Johannesburg-based company, steady growth and a firm commitment to the ideals of its founders have been the bedrock of its success. Andrew Pelis finds out more.
One thing that a recession clearly defines is the more buoyant business sectors of an economy. For a company like Pentad Quantity Surveyors, identifying the best sectors to work with has helped the company through the tribulations of the last year.

Heart of gold
Mining has come a long way from the old image of human and environmental desolation. Scott Santti explains to Gay Sutton how Newmont Ghana Gold has placed social sustainability at the heart of its operations.