Demand for finance from small businesses remains subdued with applications for loans towards the end of 2009 still down sharply from their 2008 high, Business Secretary Peter Mandelson said on Thursday. Read more: Small business loan demand subdued  (Reuters via Yahoo! UK & Ireland News)

The Coca-Cola Co. plans to acquire the North American operations of its largest bottler in a move that mirrors similar deals by its main rival PepsiCo, as both try to gain more control of distribution to keep up with shoppers’ changing tastes. The deal calls… Coca-Cola – PepsiCo – Business – Bottling company – Soft drink Visit link: Coke to acquire bottler’s...

The Coca-Cola Company confirmed Thursday morning that it has agreed to acquire the North American operations of its largest bottler, reversing a 24-year-old strategy of keeping its bottling operations separate from its main soft-drink business. Excerpt from: Coke to Gain Control of North American Bottling Business (New York Times)

FRANKFURT, Feb 25 (Reuters) – Lending to euro zone firms fell to its lowest level in 18 months in January, posting a record annual drop and fuelling fears that a credit shortfall may choke the economic recovery. Economists said European Central Bank data showing company loans fell 2.7 percent in the year to January highlighted the need for continued liquidity support from the ECB, which is due...

A bank manager was granting loans to customers who could not afford them, according to testimony which emerged during a case against of the clients. View post: Bank managed charged over unjustified loans (di-ve)

The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce will present a workshop on obtaining small-business loans March 3. More: Seminar on SBA loans set for March (Montgomery Advertiser)