The week in business: 26 February

Baking – Puratos
The producer of additives and yeast for the baking and food industries has received a €40 million loan to expand its research and development activities at its headquarters in Groot-Bijgaarden.

E-commerce – Alibaba
The Chinese business-to-business and e-commerce group is hiring some 100 local employees, who will go to China to better understand the needs of Chinese visitors to Europe. Alibaba chair Jack Ma expects to use his platform to sell European luxury goods to the Chinese.

Fashion – Marie Jo
The Schellebelle-based producer of up-market lingerie has plans to start a home-shopping activity modelled on Tupperware parties. The company will also create experience centres for potential customers. 

Freight – Ethiopian Airlines
The carrier has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop its cargo and freight activities at Brussels Airport, with up to 28 flights a week to Dubai, Shanghai and Hong Kong. The service would be operated for DHL Global Forwarding. The airline transferred its activities from Brussels to Maastricht last year, and local authorities hope to win back the business.

Property – Wiltcher’s
The prestigious building housing the Wiltcher’s hotel, previously known as the Conrad, on Louizalaan in Brussels is being sold for some €125 million by its owners, AG Real Estate. The complex includes 8,000 square metres of office space, 7,000 square metres of shopping space and some residential apartments.

Retail – Ikea
The Swedish group has plans to open a store in Kortrijk in the coming years. The company is also considering a second outlet north of Antwerp as the one in Wilrijk is south of the city.