Credit rating agency cites exposure to the Netherlands' shrinking economy and falling real estate market as main factors for downgrading five lenders

A significant overhaul that changes nothing in terms of overall strategy, and that must remain the overriding concern for investors

Lobbyists admit in private that they have lost the fight against a European Parliament initiative to limit the size of bonuses relative to salary

Opel does not expect to continue production at its Bochum plant beyond the 2016 end of life cycle for the Zafira, a compact people-mover

French bank works out scenarios for Emporiki, which has already cost it €6bn in writedowns, in the event of worsening problems in its market

Carlos Tavares, the number two at Renault, raised the issue on Tuesday, citing shrinking car sales this year across Europe and particularly in France

Retailers should be more upfront – in particular, Esprit should not ask them to accept as a coincidence the exits of two top bosses in one day

The Galician owner of the Zara clothing chain increases net profits 30% in the first quarter, a period in which it opened 91 new stores

A significant overhaul that changes nothing in terms of overall strategy, and that must remain the overriding concern for investors

Mr Hollande's stability pact falls far short of the sort of sovereignty-sharing Berlin says its wants. But then, Berlin may want too much

While BP has made mistakes and suffered some bloody noses with its Russian joint venture, its financial gamble has, broadly, paid off

Some say the commonest response is likely to be further salary inflation to rebalance the ratio, but that will reduce flexibility in tough times