Alliance Boots, one of Europe's biggest pharmacy chains, agrees a deal to buy a stake in a Chinese pharmaceutical wholesaler.

Small firms are struggling to raise the money they need to expand, according to a survey by the Federation of Small Businesses.

Japanese electronics maker Panasonic suspends some of its operations in China after anti-Japan protesters attacked two of its factories.

Singer Ed Sheeran tops the list of pirated artists in the UK as a major study into illegal downloading habits of the country is made public.

The British economy may have passed its "darkest moment" and an economic recovery could be under way, former Prime Minister Sir John Major says.

Scottish Enterprise confirms that seven of its employees misused corporate credit cards to the tune of thousands of pounds.

Oil prices rise for the eighth session in a row, with Brent crude near a four-month high, boosted by the Fed's move last week to stimulate the US economy.

A key political ally is to consider whether to withdraw from the Indian government over a decision to open up the retail sector to global supermarkets.