ANZ Panin Bank and PT Satelindo, a leading cellular operator in the country, have agreed to establish a strategic partnership with the aim of providing better services for the customers of both companies.

Oris, a Swiss-based mechanical watch manufacturer, has launched its latest products, which will be exhibited for three days at Plaza Senayan starting Friday, a release said.

The Japanese minister of agriculture said Friday Japan would impose a total ban imports of meat and bone meal feed as a precaution against mad cow disease.

The London Stock Exchange (LSE) said on Friday that it has made a bid approach to LIFFE, the London futures exchange. Following the announcement by LIFFE (Holdings) plc earlier today, the Board of London Stock Exchange plc confirms that it has made an approach to LIFFE (Holdings) plc regarding a possible offer," the LSE said in a short statement.

Hotel group Marriott International is preparing contingency plans for layoffs and reduced work schedules that could affect up to 20 percent of its headquarters staff, The Washington Post reported on Friday, citing company and industry sources.

Lufthansa said on Friday it would levy a surcharge of US$8 (8.70 euros) per flight in view of the crisis facing the airline industry since the attacks on the U.S. on Sept.11.

World auto sales are projected to plunge 11 percent, equivalent to the size of the entire Japanese market, before the end of 2002, an industry monitor said Friday.