Ravi Kant, executive director, Tata Motors, has been appointed chairman, Hispano Carrocera SA, following the formal agreement on Tata Motors’ acquisition of a 21 percent equity stake in the Spanish bus company. Gerardo Mugica, CEO, Hispano Carrocera, handed over the share certificates to Ravi Kant at a meeting in Madrid on Thursday. Also present was Andres Mugica, director (operations), Hispano Carrocera.
Tata Motors has a call option on the remaining 79 percent shareholding. With the signing of the investment agreement, Tata Motors will have the license for technology and brand rights from Hispano Carrocera. The 21 percent equity stake for a total price of 12 million euros comprises equity, debt and technology licensing. In addition to Ravi Kant’s appointment as chairman of the Spanish company, the board has R.S. Thakur, general manager (corporate finance), Tata Motors, Gerardo Mugica and Andres Mugica.
Nokia
Nokia is presenting a roadmap to 3G and beyond, highlighting the latest media mobile services and market entry strategies at the three-day Telecom Arabiya, which opened in Bahrain yesterday. Delegates to Telecom Arabiya and the 3rd Asian IT Ministers Summit will be among the first to witness the power of next generation mobile communications at Nokia’s 3G-powered stand. At Telecom Arabiya, Nokia is highlighting the latest rich media services, such as person-to-person video sharing, advanced voice services and mobile gaming, and outlines the opportunities for growth and mutual gain across the MENA region. “Mobile phones today are about more than simply making calls or sending SMS messages. You can listen to the radio, take pictures and video and play games while on the move. 3G-enabled rich media services are set to be the next big thing,” says Dr Walid Moneimne, senior vice president, EMEA, Networks, Nokia.
AHBA
AHBA, a 50-year Saudi owned company that specializes in aviation services and aircraft handling is undertaking a massive capital investment worth close to SR 2.5 in equipment upgrades, modernization, employee hiring, training and the enhancement of its service offerings which has been proceeding apace for the past two years, according to AHBA Chairman Mahmoud Ibrahim Zahran. “As the oldest and most well established aviation services company in Sudan that is still in operation since 1955, we have handled all the major airlines who have landed or continue to land at Khartoum International Airport, and this is due to our strength as we are able to harness the wealth of our experience, modern technology and our human resources while keeping in mind our client’s individual needs,” he said.
GolinHarris
GolinHarris, one of the world’s foremost PR firms, has established its presence in the Middle East with the opening of an office in Dubai. “For over a decade now, the PR industry has been witnessing tremendous growth in the Arab world,” said Fred Cook, president and CEO of GolinHarris. “We’re excited about our venture in this part of the globe and are looking forward to growing our reach and capabilities.” Gregory Tikhanoff, regional managing director of GolinHarris in the Middle East, will be leading the firm’s growth in the region. “The rapid growth of the PR industry in the Middle East has certainly created many potential business opportunities,” says Tikhonoff. “Our operations in the Middle East will represent the perfect mix between international expertise and in-depth knowledge of the local market.” The Dubai team, led by Ziad Hasbani, managing director, has already established its base, servicing a number of local and international brand names including Hyundai in Saudi Arabia, Revlon, New Zealand Milk and Omega.