Rising to the challenge
As a continent lacking in much of the basic infrastructure essential for business, Africa could be seen as too challenging for some. But for those companies in the infrastructure sector, the market is wide open, as Likusasa has discovered. Becky Done reports.

The London-listed miner Vedanta is reported to be considering spinning off several of its interests, resulting in five or six companies plus a parent.

BHP Billiton, the worldÔÇÖs largest mining company, has agreed to buy Canadian potash developer Athabasca Potash Inc. (API) for C$341 million ($320 million).  The deal follows news of Brazilian miner Vale's $3.8 billion acquisition on Tuesday of food conglomerate Bunge's Brazilian assets, which are primarily focused on phosphate and fertilizers. BHP signaled its interest in the potash sector by its acquisition of Anglo Potash in 2008.

The French pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Aventis has signed agreements with ChinaÔÇÖs Minsheng Pharmaceutical Co. to form a new consumer healthcare joint venture.

Putting an end to months of speculation, Apple yesterday unveiled its new tablet device, the iPad.

Mining giant Anglo American has said it will start a new venture in South Africa that could create 25,000 jobs in up to 1,500 businesses across the country within the next seven years.

General Motors agreed last night to sell its Saab Automobile brand to the Dutch car maker Spyker for $400 million.  Spyker, which manufactures luxury sports cars, will form a new companyÔÇöSaab Spyker AutomobilesÔÇöto take over the brand. The Zeewold, Netherlands-based company employs 110 people and produces between 30 and 50 cars per year, which each sell for around $200,000. Saab, which currently employs 3,400 workers, last year manufactured 24,000 cars. Spyker is estimating that it will make 100,000 Saabs a year, enough to be profitable.

General Motors agreed last night to sell its Saab Automobile brand to the Dutch car maker Spyker for $400 million (£247 million).