HSBC plans expansion

The HSBC banking group will expand its capital market, corporate and investment banking team in India and establish an analytical support facility to exploit growing business opportunities and provide services to the group’s overseas requirements. The group would grow the headcount in capital market and related functions by 25 per cent in the next five years, HSBC Holdings chief executive (markets) John Studzinski said.

Qualis variant

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) India has launched a limited-edition version of multi-purpose vehicle Qualis. The new MPV Qualis Myst has been priced at Rs 6.76 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), Toyota Kirloskar managing director A. Toyoshima said. The company aims to sell 1,200 units in four months.

Uco Bank rates

Uco Bank has revised interest rates on FCNR(B) deposits upwards with effect from April 20. For dollar deposits, the rates have been increased to 1.3 per cent, 2.1 per cent and 2.7 per cent for periods of one to less than two years, two to less than three years and three years, respectively. For similar time periods, deposits held in pounds will earn interests at rates of 4.55 per cent, 4.6 per cent and 4.8 per cent, respectively.

Sun alliance

Sun Microsystems has joined hands with Aptech to train 30,000 students and 5000 IT professionals, besides enterprises on Sun technologies and products. The new learning alliance will see Aptech investing to set up two training centres to impart training on Sun technologies and products for its customers, partners and employees, besides students, Sun said.

Union Bank

Fitch Ratings India has assigned “AA+(ind)” rating to Union Bank of India's existing subordinated debt of Rs 600 crore, indicating a strong financial capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. The rating also indicates high credit quality and a low expectation of credit risk, Fitch said.

Tata Steel

Tata Steel has being selected by American Productivity Quality Council (APQC) as the ‘best practice partner in knowledge management’. The steel major was the only Indian company and the only steel manufacturer in the world to get selected for the prestigious study.

Century rating

Century Plyboards has received the ISO 14001 certificate from Det Norske Veritas, a certifying company accredited to UKAS Environmental Management. The certificate, which will be valid till November 2006, confirms that the firm follows global standards for the preservation of the environment.

NSO meet

National Savings Organisation and Directorate of Small Savings of the Bengal region celebrated Women’s Savings Day 2004 on April 15, to recognise women’s contribution to mobilise household savings and provide resources of development, particularly as Mahila Pradhan Kshetriya Bachat Yojana agents.