STATOIL ASA (STO), a Norwegian oil major, said
Thursday it made minor oil and gas discoveries in the North Sea and was
considering a joint development with two former finds, highlighting the
potential for more discoveries in the mature area. Statoil said it found
gas at the Askja West prospect and oil at the Askja East prospect, both
in license PL272, estimating the finds at between 19 million and 44
million barrels of recoverable oil equivalent.
At 1157 GMT, shares were down 0.1% at NOK146.90.
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SWEDEN's purchasing managers' index fell in
December, but continued to signal growth in the manufacturing sector.
The index fell to 52.2 from 56.0 in November, its compiler Swedbank
said. The subindex for production had the most negative effect on the
overall PMI.
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ORKLA ASA (ORK.OS), a Norwegian consumer goods
supplier, said its chief executive, Age Korsvold, has decided to step
down from his post. The company's board of directors has begun the
process of recruiting a successor, and Mr. Korsvold will remain in his
position until a new president and chief executive has been appointed.
Shares were down 1.2% at NOK46.77.
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The Nordic OMXN40 index was trading 0.1% lower at 1,269.56 while Oslo's OBX was trading flat at 506.58.