Main headlines from this issue

Blenheim restructures – new board and listing to be announced

Blenheim Capital, a provider of structured finance offset solutions, is emerging from a challenging period with a company reorganisation and expansion into new markets. Discussions are under way with four banks that are looking to take a slice of the equity.

Bulgaria to rely on Article 346, approves offset fund

Bulgaria, which is among a significant group of European countries that regards the EC Directive 2009/81 as if it were a vial of smallpox, has decided in principle to cite Article 346 as grounds for requiring offsets for most future defence procurements.

In the nick of time – IP required for British Chinook purchase

By signing the contract award for the purchase of fourteen new CH-47 Chinook helicopters just before the August 21 application date for Directive 2009/81/EC, British Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox has qualified the £1bn ($1.64bn) purchase for industrial participation.......

Troubled Vincent Tchenguiz revives offset model

Vincent Tchenguiz’s Consensus Business Group has launched a $60m ‘clean technology’ fund in South Korea to invest in renewable energy businesses at the request of the governments of Korea and Israel. The fund does not yet qualify for offset credits, but that is certain to be addressed down the line, we are told.

Poland delighted with offset projects outcome

Poland signed sixteen offset contracts worth more than $8bn by the end of 2010, Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Waldemar Pawlak disclosed.