Russians put fizz into S&N

Brewer Scottish & Newcastle said sales at its Baltic Beverages Holding (BBH) joint venture rose 18 per cent last year on the back of market share gains in Russia, a maiden full-year contribution from its Kazakhstan operations and the entry of the Baltic countries into the EU.

INDIAN OIL: Oil group Burren Energy yesterday said it was buying more than a quarter of India's only publicly quoted oil and gas explorer. Burren said it had bought a 26 per cent stake in Hindustan Oil Exploration Company for £13.8m.

NETWORK DEAL: Telecoms operator BT has agreed a contract worth more than £500m over seven years with Barclays bank to provide a voice and data communications network.

POLISH EXPANSION: Technology group Sage has expanded into Poland for the first time by acquiring business management software vendor Symfonia for £10.3m.

TALKS CONTINUE: Wealth management group Rensburg said talks with two suitors interested in buying the company were continuing and its pre-tax profits rose 29 per cent to £8.8m in the year to November 30. It has offices in London, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Glasgow and Belfast.