January 12, 2007

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 executive moves to product development delays.

Barclays PLC (From #66 to #40)

Rumors, rumors ... If you were to judge Barclays only by its own announcements, the venerable British bank had a fairly quiet December. It announced plans to buy Uganda's Nile Bank, but that represents just 25 branches and 400 employees -- not the sort of thing to stir up the markets over a financial giant like Barclays. But then there was the research note from a Merrill Lynch analyst which said that Barclays would make a perfect acquisition target for a little outfit known as Bank of America. Even though both companies have stayed mum on the speculation, the idea that they might be mulling it helped send Barclays' share price up by more than 3% in a single day.
News | Financials

Roche Holding Ltd (From #51 to #28)

The Swiss pharmaceutical giant does have a bunch of other drugs in its cupboard, but if you read the news you would be forgiven for thinking that all it makes is Tamiflu. Flu season is in full swing, which only adds to the persistent concern created by news of a possible outbreak of avian flu over the past couple of years. Roche has promoted Tamiflu with commercials featuring the dancing penguins from the hit film "Happy Feet." Some industry watchers have questioned the wisdom of this cross-branding campaign, given that Tamiflu treats avian flu and "Happy Feet" is about, well, birds.
News | Financials