Member News

Closing Up Shops: CMBS Exposure to Recent Retail Closures

Sports equipment chain Golfsmith International has shared the fate of many others in today’s retail landscape: a bankruptcy filing and a list of closings. In what Time Magazine has dubbed the “age of Amazon,” some of the biggest names in retail have suffered from sinking sales and have shuttered a large number of stores in recent years. E-commerce giant Amazon has established their presence on every corner of the market, as it offers discounts and prompt shipping for a seemingly endless...

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Chapter News

Jeroen Dijsselbloem: Why I disagree with Joseph Stiglitz

On 17 October Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem published an op-ed article in a Dutch newspaper entitled "Why I disagree with Joseph Stiglitz". The article discusses the new book by Nobel Prize-winner Joseph Stiglitz "The Euro: How a Common Currency Threatens the Future of Europe". Dijsselbloem also joined Stiglitz on stage for a debate and Q&A session with the audience about this book on 30 September, at the John Adams Institute in Amsterdam. ________________________ Why I disagree with Joseph Stiglitz Professor and Nobel...

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Chapter News

EU budget: “We have to deal with the problem caused by Brexit”

The UK's decision to leave the Union will already affect the EU's budget for next year. "There has already been an unforeseeable situation and now we have to deal with this problem," said Jens Geier, the MEP who will negotiate on behalf of the Parliament regarding the bulk of the EU's budget for 2017. MEPs will vote on Parliament's position in plenary on 26 October. We talked to the German S&D member about how Brexit is affecting the budget...

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Chapter News

Investing in infrastructure that unites: first gas interconnector between Finland and Estonia ends energy isolation

A first gas interconnector between Finland and Estonia will end the long lasting gas isolation of Finland and help, boosting security of supply and bringing an economic lift to the region. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, the Prime Minister of Estonia Taavi Rõivas and the Prime Minister of Finland Juha Sipilä have today witnessed the signing of a €187 million investment in the Balticconnector – the first gas pipeline connecting Finland and Estonia. This gas interconnector will end the energy...

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Member News

Portugal, a country where tradition and innovation go hand in hand

Portugal builds airplanes. Yes, planes. And automobiles as well. Portugal builds construction works which leave a mark. Bridges, highways, ports airports, sports stadiums, schools, hospitals and palaces. The Portuguese ability to build masterpieces is present worldwide. Surprised? Our history is made of discoveries, entrepreneurship, creativity and permanent innovation. We are a modern and sophisticated country that will surprise you. Our country develops medicine: Zebinix in the treatment of epilepsy, Opicapone in the treatment of the Parkinson disease. Two medicines developed...

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Member News

Pirelli: The future of an ‘internet of tires’ speeds ahead

Bard MBA spoke to Maureen Kline, vice president, public affairs and sustainability, Pirelli Tire North America, on the role that innovation and technology play in the present and future of the tire industry to not only to make it more sustainable but to also continue to improve performance and safety. In addition to her work with Pirelli, Kline writes a weekly column on sustainability for www.inc.com. She also chairs the board of the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada and...

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Chapter News

Commission puts forward commitments to reach global targets in sustainable urban development

In the context of the U.N. Habitat III conference, the European Commission has presented three commitments to meet the New Urban Agenda's global objectives. The New Urban Agenda, adopted at the U.N. Habitat III Conference taking place this week in Quito, Ecuador, contains guidelines to make cities all over the world more inclusive, green, safe and prosperous. It is a cornerstone in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and other milestone reform agendas, in particular the Paris...

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Chapter News, Trade & TTIP Related

After CETA: the EU trade agreements that are in the pipeline

EU countries are considering signing the free trade agreement with Canada this month, but the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) is far from the only deal the EU is working on. Various deals are being negotiated all over the globe, but they can only enter into force if the European Parliament approves them. Read on for an overview of negotiations in progress and a discussion of how it works. Types of agreements The EU has different types of agreements in place...

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Member News

Cross-border acquisitions

Cross-border acquisitions are becoming ever more popular, as US companies seek to enter overseas markets quickly and without the delay and logistical hurdles of building organically. Europe in particular has been a destination of choice where markets are mature, talent is readily available, IP can be protected, taxes are predictable and business cultural is familiar. What therefore could possibly go wrong? The answer is that assuming the right diligence has been completed on the target and local advice has been...

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Member News

Brexit High Court hearing: does the UK government need the approval of Parliament before it can invoke Article 50?

Today, the High Court has started hearing arguments on whether the UK government can go-it-alone and trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty – the legal mechanism to commence departure from the EU – without first seeking the approval of Parliament. Opening the case, Lord Pannick QC for the lead claimant emphasised that the challenge was not about whether or not the UK should leave the EU, but whether the government has the legal power to trigger Article 50, with...

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