Banking - Bank of China
Bank of China inaugurated its first Brussels branch last week in a bid to support Chinese companies and individuals in their operations in Western Europe and to help Belgian firms in developing their activities in China. BOC's leading competitor ICBC bank is poised to make a similar move early next year.

Banking - KBC
Flanders' largest bank has paid €72 million to push to 100% its stake in the Bulgarian CIBank. KBC already owns other assets in Bulgaria, including the DZI insurance company. Meanwhile, the bank is reorganising its retail operations in Belgium under the "Net 3.0" programme to double the number of branches open on Saturdays and to develop more personalised services for high- value customers.

Construction - Blavier
Liège-based homebuilders Maisons Blavier will expand into Flanders over the next three years.

Energy - Fluxys
Gas network operator Fluxys has signed an agreement with the Russian Gazprom to launch a study into stocking natural gas in an underground area in Wuustwezel, Antwerp province. If research is conclusive, Gazprom would sign a 20-year contract next spring to stock up to 700 million cubic metres of gas. The company is also studying the possibility of distributing compressed natural gas across Belgium, used in powering vehicles.

Media - BD
Belgique Diffusion, the country's largest direct mail and free media distributor, owned by the Dutch TNT group, has received three takeover bids. Publishers Roularta and Rossel in partnership with the Flemish regional investment fund GIMV are believed to be the frontrunners, with the French Mediapost and a Dutch investment fund close behind. A decision is expected before Christmas.

Steel - Arcelor
The Genk-based stainless steel operations of Arcelor Mittal, the world's largest steel producer, are to be affected by the group's decision to spin off its stainless operation worldwide through an IPO. The move is said to be a first step in the process of selling the business.