Autos · Sales
Some 53,000 new cars were registered in January, a 7.8% increase compared to the same period in 2010. Best-selling models were Renault, up 11%, Volkswagen at 12% higher and Peugeot. In addition, sales of light industrial vehicles, trucks and motorcycles also increased in the wake of the Brussels car show. The country's total production of new cars rose last year for the first time since 2005.

Banks · ABK
The Antwerps Beroepskrediet (ABK) bank, specialised in credit to small- and medium- sized companies, has received a €115 million takeover offer from Antwerp-based Bank Van Breda, an affiliate of the Ackermans & Van Haaren holding company. The offer is an answer to an attempt by the French-owned Credit Mutuel group to take over ABK for €96 million.

Brewing · AB InBev
Leuven-based beer group AB InBev will produce a cider for the UK market carrying the name of one of its leading brands, Stella Artois. The new drink, to be launched in April, is made from Jonagold apples and will be available in bottles and cans. Meanwhile, AB InBev is building a new brewery in Yingkou, China, to meet growing demand in the country.

Chemicals · Tessenderlo
The Limburg specialised chemical group has sold its aromas and esters activities, Tessenderlo Fine Chemicals, to the UK-based Tennants Consolidated company for some €20 million.

Diamonds · HRD
The Antwerp-based Hoge Raad voor Diamant, the umbrella organisation of the Belgian diamond industry, has signed a cooperation agreement with the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce to open a lab in the Turkish capital, its first abroad.

Jobs · Banks
The country's four largest financial institutions - BNP Paribas Fortis, KBC, Dexia and ING - have confirmed plans to hire up to 2,800 new employees this year.

Hotels · Accor
The French Accor group plans to open up to 40 new Ibis hotels in the country over the next couple of years. Special emphasis will be in coastal cities where the group has no properties thus far.