2008 Press Releases

Science and business in tandem: PricewaterhouseCoopers is broadening its cooperation with the Economics Department at Lomonosov Moscow State University

Sunday, January 11, 2009

After several years of cooperation, PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Economics Department at Lomonosov Moscow State University signed a new agreement.

Gold holding its own: PricewaterhouseCoopers survey

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Despite current market conditions and commodity prices, 2008 was a strong year for gold. According to the annual PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Global Gold Price Survey, released today the price started at US$846 on January 2 and averaged over US$800 for the year.

2008 ranking of EuroSoftware100: US continues to dominate European rankings

Monday, December 15, 2008

Launched today is the inaugural listing of Europe’s top 100 software companies as compiled by representatives of the following European software associations (European Software Association, AFDEL, BASDA) and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Crisis puts retailers and suppliers in the same boat

Thursday, December 11, 2008

The recent PwC Internet survey of 20 Russian companies representing different consumer goods segments identified certain factors which impede cooperation between retailers and suppliers in the changing market environment and provided a fresh insight into optimization of such collaboration.

A quiet revolution in Russan CSR

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

The first global study into Russian Corporate Social Responsibility has shown that as Russian business goes global, sustainability has been established as a key priority of their strategic development. The international research project, From Russia with Love: A national chapter on the global CSR agenda, conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit, has indicated that 90% of Russian majors have either a CSR or sustainability programme already in place or in development.

Russian auto dealers receive new opportunity to share experiences

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

t the beginning of October 2008 on the initiative of the Russian Automobile Dealers Association (ROAD), an auto dealer club called the Top 25 was founded to informally unite major companies that sell and repair cars.

A Time of Change: the market situation adjusts companies’ plans

Monday, November 24, 2008

PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Russian Managers Association carried out an investigation of 100 representatives from leading Russian companies to hear their assessment of the financial crisis’s impact on their business.

Revenues flowing for mid-tier oil and gas sector

Monday, November 24, 2008

Higher oil prices, combined with the success of wells being brought on-line, show an increase of 32% in revenues for 50 of the largest listed oil and gas companies outside of the FTSE-100, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) inaugural mid-tier oil and gas publication ‘Prospects: a review of mid-tier oil&gas 2008’.

Time of uncertainty is time of opportunity for private equity, says PricewaterhouseCoopers

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

The report from PricewaterhouseCoopers, titled ‘Seeking differentiation at a time of change’, highlights the need for private equity firms to diversify and differentiate their businesses through this period and outlines the key challenges the industry must address in order to respond to today’s contracted markets.

PricewaterhouseCoopers poll gives fresh insight into forest, paper and packaging industry

Thursday, November 13, 2008

In the past 12 months energy costs have had the most signifcant impact on profits in the forest, paper and packaging (FPP) industry, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers recent online poll of eighty FPP executives. A third of respondents report that energy costs have hit their bottom line, whereas nearly 30% say that exchange rates have had the most impact on profits. Around 15% cited both fibre supply and transport costs.

Asian companies are now on par and many surpass North American companies in establishing leading practices in security

Friday, October 31, 2008

According to the 6th annual Global State of Information Security Survey® 2008, asian companies have made dramatic gains in upgrading their information security efforts. The study – the largest of its kind – was conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) in conjunction with CIO and CSO magazines.

Entertainment and Media businesses must look to exploit $40bn of valuable intangibles. Despite downturn online advertising sees double-digit growth

Friday, October 31, 2008

The PricewaterhouseCoopers report ‘On Media: Managing through the credit crunch – intangibles must play their part. Online advertising through a downturn – weathering the storm’ discloses despite the economic outlook, the cupboard is far from bare for entertainment and media (E&M) companies that are sitting on a $40billon goldmine of intangible assets. Besides, discloses that in particular Search is set to dominate the market.

Court rules in PricewaterhouseCoopers' favour in Yukos case

Friday, October 24, 2008

The Moscow Region Federal Arbitrazh Court has today fully overturned the rulings of the First Instance and Appellation Courts in the case relating to the audit of Yukos by PricewaterhouseCoopers. The case has now been terminated by the court. This decision satifies PwC's cassation appeal and concludes these legal proceedings.

The 2008–2009 music season was officially launched by Vladimir Spivakov’s International Charity Foundation at the Moscow Kremlin Armoury

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Vladimir Spivakov’s International Charity Foundation officially launched the 2008-2009 music season at the Moscow Kremlin Armoury on 11 October 2008. The concert featured musicians from the St Petersburg branch of the foundation as well as students from several Moscow-based schools of music. The international network of PricewaterhouseCoopers audit and consulting firms was a partner in the event.

Maestro invites children to open rehearsal

Friday, October 17, 2008

On 4 October 2008, under the auspices of PricewaterhouseCoopers, a charity event entitled “A maestro invites… an open rehearsal of Vladimir Fedoseyev for children" took place.

Outlook for Magazine Publishing in the Digital Age

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Despite the continuing migration by consumers to the Internet in search of information and entertainment, they still expect to pay much less for digital content than for printed, according to a report from PricewaterhouseCoopers “Outlook for Magazine Publishing in the Digital Age”. The PricewaterhouseCoopers report looks at how consumer behaviour is changing in relation to magazines and how magazine publishers and media buying agencies are responding to these changes.

Tatarstan Government and PricewaterhouseCoopers sign agreement of intent

Friday, October 10, 2008

According to Peter Gerendasi, the companies working with PricewaterhouseCoopers today in Tatarstan are fully transparent.

Mid-market mergers & acquisitions in Russia: growth or slowdown?

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

According to the Mergers & acquisitions in the Russian mid-market report released today by PricewaterhouseCoopers, mergermarket and Bowne, there will be a greater number of M&A deals in Russia over the next twelve months, but they will be on a smaller scale. And despite the recent market turmoil and downturn in M&A activity, the overall view among analysts is that the Russian mid-market will remain fairly resilient and will continue to see deals being made.

Sam DiPiazza, PricewaterhouseCoopers Global CEO at Sochi Economic Forum

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

The Seventh International Investment Forum “Sochi 2008” was held on September 19–21. Sam DiPiazza, PricewaterhouseCoopers Global CEO, participated in the forum, serving on the delegation of PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Russia Partners. At the plenary session Mr. DiPiazza presented “The Russian Economy — Where to Invest?”

PricewaterhouseCoopers is Official Partner of CSKA

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

PricewaterhouseCoopers and CSKA Federal Governmental Entity of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation have signed an agreement according to which PricewaterhouseCoopers has become the Official Partner of the Army club.

“Bus of Freedom” for children with special needs

Friday, September 5, 2008

On April 24 PricewaterhouseCoopers donated a custom-made minibus to the Kazan Rehabilitation Centre for Children and Teenagers with Special Needs. The bus, which cost 1,674,000 roubles, is equipped with an electric sliding platform to lift a wheelchair through the rear doors, thirteen chairs with armrests and safety belts, and fasteners for three wheelchairs.

Mixed financial trend for global forest products sector continues

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Producers in emerging regions post promising financial results; European and Canadian producers impacted by market forces.

Russian industry is to face a period of sustainable economic development

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

The world’s 100 largest forest, paper and fibre-based packaging products companies posted mixed financial results in 2007, reflecting the significantly different business and economic situations across regions.

PricewaterhouseCoopers Launches New Technology Forecast

Friday, August 22, 2008

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) today released a new publication containing in-depth analysis of new technology trends that are reshaping the way companies are doing business as they face a rapidly-changing business landscape. Originally published between 1996 and 2003 in book-length, the newly re-launched Technology Forecast has been recast as a quarterly journal

Global Automotive M&A Deal Activity is Expected to Exceed 500 Deals by Year's End

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Global automotive M&A deal volume in the first half of 2008 remains relatively strong based on data analyzed by PricewaterhouseCoopers: the market still appears to be on course to exceed 500 closed deals for the tenth of the past eleven years, as was anticipated in Drive Value, PricewaterhouseCoopers' 2007 Automotive M&A insights publication.

The risks and rewards in funding sports stadia

Monday, August 11, 2008

The PricewaterhouseCoopers report From Dressing Rooms to Conference Rooms: the risks and rewards in funding sports stadia, examines the longer term effects of stadium development on attendance and performance, while detailing the growing trend of public sector investment into these venues.

The First Corporate Charity Ranking by Vedomosti

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Vedomosti, the leading business newspaper in Russia, announces a large-scale project: ranking of Russian business corporate charity. The project will be implemented jointly with the audit and consulting company PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Momentum behind forest, paper and packaging deals set to continue driven by sustainability trends

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Total forest, paper and packaging (FPP) deal values increased to US$27.6bn in 2007, up US$1.9bn on 2006, according to the PricewaterhouseCoopers Branching Out report.

Companies seek an edge through engaged employees

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Companies now have the tools to establish how happy a work force is with their work and their employer. Once they have established this, they can then make improvements, increase employee engagement and boost performance says a new PricewaterhouseCoopers report ‘Managing People in a Changing World’.

New charity heights for PricewaterhouseCoopers

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Early in July, a group of nine partners from PricewaterhouseCoopers Russia ascended Elbrus, Europe's highest mountain, in a fundraising effort for the charity foundation Downside Up.

Despite significant progress amongst insurers, enterprise risk management still not fit for purpose

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Against the background of an ever tougher risk environment and growing demands from investors, regulators and rating agencies, PricewaterhouseCoopers says that many insurers and other financial services organisations are asking questions about the effectiveness of ERM and its ability to deliver a return on investment or meet the expectations of stakeholders.

Recorded music - Who benefits from digital?

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Over the last decade the media industry has seen the “digital boom” that affected consumers, artists and record companies and ultimately transformed the economics of the industry as a whole. Specialists from PricewaterhouseCoopers prepared an insight of media industry “Recorded Music – Who benefits from digital?” and reviewed economic changes that took place due to the development of recorded music new technologies.

Aerospace and defence sector deals still soaring

Monday, July 14, 2008

The Aerospace and defence sector deals remain buoyant according to ‘Flying High – Aerospace and Defence M&A’ by PricewaterhouseCoopers. The total value of disclosed transactions for 2007 reached nearly $31bn, up from $29.2bn in 2006. International deals came back strongly with total deal value more than trebling to $14.4bn.

Reducing the risk of severe adverse effects from global warming is both feasible and affordable, says PricewaterhouseCoopers

Monday, July 14, 2008

Ahead of the G8 Summit in Japan, the report calls on governments to demonstrate the political will to combat global warming through a ‘Greener Growth + CCS’ strategy that could halve global carbon emissions by 2050 without significantly reducing economic growth.

Russia may become the largest automotive market in Europe

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Car sales rose 41% year on year in the first six months of 2008 to reach 1.65 million units. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers’ most recent survey, growth in dollar terms was 64%, reaching USD 33.8 billion.

Fundamental changes in the make up of banking risks in Russia

Thursday, July 3, 2008

According to the 9th Banana Skins Banking Risk Survey carried out by the Centre for the Study of Financial Innovation (CSFI) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the turmoil on financial markets has brought a dramatic change in risk structure. The risks that seem to be on the rise according to Russian respondents reflect the current global concern about the global market situation and economic implications.

Growth outpaces forecasts: Russian entertainment & media market volume to hit USD 45.2 billion by 2012

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

According to PricewaterhouseCoopers’ survey “Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2008–2012”, Russia’s entertainment and media market is becoming one of the largest in the world. Industry growth rates hit 12.2% in 2007, whereas the projected annual mean growth rate for 2008-2012 is 11.4%.

Who is winning the retail banking race in Russia?

Monday, June 30, 2008

PricewaterhouseCoopers and Senteo present a joint study of the Russian retail banking industry, “Customer Experience Index – 2008: Who is Winning the Retail Banking Race in Russia”. The survey offers unique insight into Russia’s competitive retail banking landscape to help banks measure and benchmark performance, improve the overall customer experience, and understand how to use customer experience as a business approach to create a more loyal and satisfied customer base.

Landmark change predicted in technology and structure of power utilities

Friday, June 27, 2008

Sweeping changes lie ahead in the power utilities industry, according to the latest Utilities Global Survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers. The 2008 report, A World of Difference, marks the tenth anniversary of the annual survey of 118 senior executives in 37 countries and reveals a sector that is anticipating wide scale transformation in the decade ahead. The changes they predict include a different technological landscape and structure of the sector in the future.

Two-thirds of world health leaders see problems with payment systems

Thursday, June 26, 2008

The way that healthcare is paid for in is flux as governments around the world seek ways to control costs without further compromising quality at a time when the needs of the aging population threaten to overwhelm health system resources. A new report published today by PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Health Research Institute finds that two-thirds of health leaders, including government and private payers from 20 different countries, see problems with their current payment system, and they are exploring new payment models that use incentives to better balance access, quality, efficiency and demand.

Global sourcing on the rise — but costs not always clear and product safety still a concern

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

The practice of global sourcing in the retail and consumer sector is thriving, but many companies are not particularly clear on their cost savings or confident of product safety and other key risks, according to a survey launched today by PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Pharma 2020: companies will use virtual R&D to increase innovation and reduce commercial deficit

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

By 2020 the Pharma R&D process may be shortened by two-thirds, success rates may dramatically increase, and clinical trial costs could be cut substantially, according to research launched today by PricewaterhouseCoopers, entitled Pharma 2020: Virtual R&D, which path will you take?. New computer based technologies will create a greater understanding of the biology of disease and the evolution of ‘Virtual man’ to enable researchers to predict the effects of new drug candidates before they enter human beings. Along with changes underway in the regulatory and socio-political environment, this will enable Pharma to overcome one of the most fundamental issues it needs to resolve over the next decade.

China set for top-of-the-table tussle with the US in Olympics showdown. Russia to be the 3rd

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Home advantage, strong government support for sport and recent rapid economic growth could see China go head to head with the US at the top of the Beijing Olympic Games medals table in August, according to a new analysis by economists at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

Oil and gas M&A undeterred by the credit crunch

Monday, June 23, 2008

M&A levels in the oil and gas industry held up throughout 2007 despite the impact of the credit crunch. The latest edition of annual analysis of M&A activity in the sector by PricewaterhouseCoopers, ‘O&G Deals’, shows deal totals edging up slightly, from US$291.1bn to US$292.2 bn year on year.

Shelter from the storm. Private equity investment in Russia

Monday, June 23, 2008

We are pleased to present you the new survey Shelter from the storm. Private equity investment in Russia, that looks at the current state of the private equity sector in Russia. Prospects for the Russian economy in the next three to five years are very promising, and risk is seen as manageable.

Revenues soaring but with costs eating into margins, is this as good as it gets for many miners?

Thursday, June 19, 2008

The fifth annual report provides a comprehensive analysis of the financial performance and position of the global mining industry and also discusses current trends in the global mining industry.

Responsible leadership — a global business challenge

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

The International Roundtable on Responsible Leadership, organised by PricewaterhouseCoopers, was held on 5 June. The event included a presentation of the book Responsible Leadership.

Industrial manufacturing sector produces further growth

Monday, June 16, 2008

Deal making in the global industrial manufacturing industry is growing strongly and looks set to remain at high levels in both the near and longer term future. A new report by PricewaterhouseCoopers ‘Producing Value’, finds that both deal numbers and values are increasing.

Currency issues plague forest and paper industry, but good news coming from southern hemisphere and emerging markets

Friday, May 30, 2008

Currency is one of the biggest issues facing the forest, paper and packaging industry around the world, in particular Canada and Europe. But the news is not all bad for the global industry.

PwC is the Tax Firm of the Year in Russia for the third consecutive year

Friday, May 30, 2008

On 22 May 2008, International Tax Review magazine presented its annual European Tax Awards in London. For the third consecutive year, PricewaterhouseCoopers Russia was recognised as the National Tax Firm of the Year.

M&A activity involving Asian financial institutions is at unprecedented levels

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

M&A activity involving Asian financial institutions is at unprecedented levels, with Asian firms seeing little impact so far from the current credit crunch. Indeed, 43% said that the credit turmoil could actually increase the volume of M&A deals in Asia, according to a new PricewaterhouseCoopers report “Going for growth in Asia: Navigating the way.”

PricewaterhouseCoopers supports further development of the mining industry in Russia and the CIS

Sunday, May 11, 2008

PricewaterhouseCoopers Russia welcomed Tim Goldsmith, PwC Global Mining Leader, in Moscow. He gave a presentation on the main issues and challenges facing the industry.

Mergers and acquisitions in the mining sector

Monday, April 28, 2008

According to the survey’s results the number of mergers and acquisitions in the mining sector has dramatically increased — by 69% versus 2006.

Mid-market eating a quarter of the pie. Mergers & acquisitions in Russia in 2007

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

A PricewaterhouseCoopers report on Russia’s M&A market in 2007 shows that M&A values have grown 61% on the previous year, bringing the year's total deal value to USD 179 billion.

CEOs of Companies in Emerging Markets Confident of Growth

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

A new report from PricewaterhouseCoopers “Convergence & Differentiation: What is success in a connected world?”, launched at the World Economic Forum’s on Latin America meeting in Cancun, finds that growth in emerging markets is outstripping that of developed nations, blurring traditional economic distinctions.

Metals deals forging ahead to unprecedented levels

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Deal making in the global metals sector soared to unprecedented levels during 2007 and is up 67% on the previous year, despite the impact of the credit crunch. ‘Forging Ahead’, the latest study of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the metals sector by PricewaterhouseCoopers, also found there have been dynamic shifts of focus: from steel to aluminium and away from Western Europe to the new M&A hotspot of North America.

Russian retailers prefer organic expansion to mergers and acquisitions as a growth strategy

Thursday, March 27, 2008

PricewaterhouseCoopers has conducted its first survey of the Russian retail market: “Shopping for the Future”. The report’s main goal was to examine the most important issues and problems facing retailers today for business development.

PricewaterhouseCoopers has been appointed independent consultant for the Commercial Real Estate Awards 2008

Monday, March 17, 2008

The Commercial Real Estate Award is an annual professional award that was established by the industry’s business community in 2003. This year PricewaterhouseCoopers, chosen to be the awards’ independent consultant, will monitor the selection process.

Moscow and Istanbul Rated Top Markets for Investment and Development

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Moscow and Istanbul ranked first and second, respectively, as this year’s top real estate markets in Europe for both investment and development prospects, according to the highly regarded real estate forecast, Emerging Trends in Real Estate® Europe 2008, published by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

Still Too Few Leading Women in Russian Business

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

On the eve of International Women’s Day, PricewaterhouseCoopers presents its second annual survey of equal opportunities for women in business.

Future defenders of the Fatherland get involved in sport: CSKA hockey club and PricewaterhouseCoopers join forces to help charity

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

On 23 February a hockey game between the CSKA and Salavat Yulaev teams took place in CSKA Ledovy Dvorets Sporta. On Defenders of the Fatherland Day, CSKA hockey club and PricewaterhouseCoopers — the club’s official sponsor — have done something for charity: more than 300 children from Moscow-region children’s homes came to watch the game.

Forest, Paper and Packaging CEOs Go Back to Basics

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Forest, paper and packaging (FPP) companies are adjusting to a changing environment, according to CEO Perspectives. Viewpoints of CEOs in the forest, paper & packaging industry worldwide, launched today by PricewaterhouseCoopers. Interviews with 26 FPP CEOs across the developed and emerging markets identified four key trends — attaining the right business model, cost control, sustainability and leadership.

Is Russian HR more effective than its foreign counterpart?

Monday, February 18, 2008

PricewaterhouseCoopers presents the results of its regular annual survey of HR management system effectiveness, the HR Benchmarking Survey 2007, whose purpose is to help assess HR's contribution to a business’s success and establish reference points for its further improvement.

Fear of recession is dominant concern among global CEOs, availability of talent is the major among Russian top-managers concerns

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

CEOs' confidence about prospects for business declined for the first time since the 2003 survey and fear of a global recession emerged as the major threat to growth in PricewaterhouseCoopers 11th Annual Global CEO Survey. Compared to last year, possible economic downturn is the only risk factor to increase in concern among CEOs.

PricewaterhouseCoopers delivered the latest Russian Automotive Market Review 2007

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

PricewaterhouseCoopers delivered the lates Russian Automotive Market Review 2007, according to which the previous year set a record in terms of development rate.For the past six years, there has been significant growth in the Russian automotive market. The indicators for 2007 were no exception.