Taiwan deal is secured

SPECIALIST integrated systems company, Secure Electronics, has returned from Taiwan full of eastern promise. The Gateshead business sent a delegation on a visit to Taiwan, with the help of Trade Partners UK, to clarify specifications and survey integrated systems projects. The visit was such a success that the company has won a major research and development project for a Taiwanese manufacturer, with more work in the pipeline. The firm is receiving help from the North-East Innovation Centre in Gateshead to work on a unique solution for the Taiwanese customer.

GERMAN BUY: Cigarette company Imperial Tobacco has struck a deal to buy German rival Reemtsma for £3.18bn. Imperial is launching a £1bn rights issue to part-fund the move, which will see it take a 90.01 per cent stake in the world's fourth largest tobacco firm, with an option to buy the remaining 9.99 per cent stake in the business.

NATIONAL LAUNCH: Integra Environmental, the health, safety and environmental consultancy arm of the University of Sunderland, is looking to develop a national market for its training programmes. Last year, it became the only training centre in the world to get a 100 per cent pass rate in the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health Certificate and Diploma part one examinations.

GOLD AWARD: Ford of Darlington, part of motor retailer CD Bramall, has won the Automotive Management Awards gold award for the best large dealer group, and the silver award for the best digital dealer group.