October 6, 2006

Welcome to the Hoover's EMEA 50, a monthly list of the companies in the Europe-Middle East-Africa region that are most searched on Hoover's. Derived by tracking the search requests of Hoover's subscribers, the Hoover's EMEA 50 provides insight on which companies are being watched most closely by corporate executives, as well as sales, marketing, and business development professionals, who represent a large portion of Hoover's customers. The news behind the biggest movers on this month's Hoover's EMEA 50 ranged from governmental regulations to premier sponsorship deals.

Cadbury Schweppes plc (From #26 to #14)

The big beverage and sweets maker Cadbury Schweppes continues to face scrutiny in Britain stemming from an outbreak of salmonella at one of its UK chocolate plants early in 2006. The company found the problem in January but did not disclose it to the public until the summer. In September, the UK government agency that is charged with maintaining food safety said that the company had not previously implemented adequate testing standards for its chocolate production. Since the salmonella was found, Cadbury has increased the rigor of its testing processes to prevent another outbreak.
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Barclays PLC (From #46 to #36)

September brought news that Barclays, the huge British bank, will quadruple its staff in India, expanding beyond its current retail and corporate banking practices there to offer investment banking as well. Closer to home for the London-based firm, Barclays announced in September that it has renewed its major sponsorship of England's Premier League. The deal will cost Barclay's nearly $125 million over three years and allow it to keep naming rights for Premiership soccer matches, which are broadcast to virtually every corner of the world.
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