Bank Hapoalim Raises NIS 1.1B
Bank Hapoalim announced it has successfully raised NIS 1.1 billion (roughly $294.35 million) in the institutional tender of its bond issue. Standard & Poor's Maalot Ltd. rated the bonds AA+. Bank Hapoalim stands to hold a public tender of the offering, in which it expects to increase the amount raised to NIS 1.5 billion ($401 million) altogether.
S&P Downgrades Credit Ratings of Portugal, Greece, Spain
Standard & Poor's Ratings Services downgraded Portugal's credit ratings A-minus while further lowering Greece's government debt to a junk status of double-B-plus. S&P gave a negative outlook for Portugal, saying the nation's public finances remain structurally weak and the government could struggle to stabilize its high debt ratio possibly until 2013. S&P also downgraded Spain after warning that it was set to suffer an "extended period" of economic crisis.
Iran Strikes Secret Uranium Mining Deal With Zimbabwe
Iran has signed a secret deal with Zimbabwe to mine its untapped uranium reserves found in the African country. Tehran's move aims to secure raw material for its steadily expanding nuclear program. The deal was sealed last month during a visit to Tehran by a close aide to Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe.
Demand for Financial Employees Up
The financial sector has noted a 52% increase in employee recruiting in the sector in the first quarter of 2010. The banks noted the highest demand, with 62%, employee demand by insurance companies was up 57%, while demand for accountants and bookkeepers added 33%.
Dori Media Nears 20th Century Fox Distribution Deal
Telenovela producer and distributor Dori Media Group is in advanced negotiations for a distribution deal with 20th Century Fox Film Corporation. Should the deal mature, Dori Media will receive exclusive rights to air in Israel pilots developed and produced by 20th Century Fox in the US. Dori Media will use the formats and scripts of major US writers who developed the pilots.
