The week in business: 4 October

Autos – Qoros

The Chinese car manufacturer is seeking a distribution network to launch the brand in Belgium. The company is said to be in negotiations with Bornem-based Beherman group, previously the importer of Saab and distributor of Mitsubishi.

Banking – Delta Lloyd

The Dutch financial services and insurance group is seeking a buyer for its local banking activities to concentrate on developing its insurance business. The bank has 55 branches in Belgium and some 570 employees. With most local banks in restructuring mode, it seems likely that a buyer will be found abroad.

Chemicals – Solvay

The Brussels-based chemicals and plastics manufacturer is investing €20 million to build a 100,000 tonnes capacity sodium bicarbonate plant in Thailand. The new facility is expected to come on stream in 2015.

Distribution – Lidl

German discount supermarket Lidl inaugurated a new 45,000 square-metre distribution centre in Sint-Niklaas. The €50 million investment comes on top of the €100 million the company has earmarked for the renovation and development of its 285 local stores this year.

Holdings – Dexia

The ailing Belgo-French holding company has sold its French Sofaxis insurance brokerage activities to the Société Hospitalière d’Assurance Mutuelle for €136 million.

Metals – Nyrstar

The world-leading zinc producer, based in Balen, Antwerp province, has signed an agreement with Hong Kong’s Noble trading group to supply 200,000 tonnes of zinc a year over the next four years.

Retail – Media Markt

The appliance and electronics retailer Saturn is rebranding four of its outlets into Media Markt stores. Both brands are owned by the German Metro group. The company is also investing €30 million to open up to 10 more Media Markt stores over the next three years, including one in Mechelen this autumn and one in Turnhout next year.