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NAO backs MoD buying


International co-operation on defence equipment procurement has been given a cautious seal of approval by the National Audit Office in its report, Maximising the Benefits of Defence Equipment Co-operation. In 1998-99, the Ministry of Defence spent 13 per cent, or £1.3 billion, of its equipment budget on 64 co-operative equipment programmes involving 19 countries.
China in market boom


China could have 12 business-to-business marketplaces by the end of the year, according to ChinaEB, an e-commerce company set up by the State Council Development Research Centre last May.
Delphi plant warning


Delphi, the world’s largest automotive components group, is reconsidering the future of its Luton chassis plant after its main customer, Vauxhall, decided to halt car assembly at its own plant in the town. Industry figures show a 20 per cent drop in UK car production in February. Delphi has become the first large parts group to warn of a knock-on effect from Vauxhall’s Luton closure.
Tripartite agreement


China’s three leading steelmakers have forged a procurement pact. Shanghai’s Baosteel Group, Beijing-based Shougana and Wuhan Iron & Steel have agreed to co-operate in buying raw materials, improving technology and marketing. Officials admitted that the deal may be the precursor to a merger between the three firms.
Vosper wins contract


Southampton shipyard Vosper Thornycroft has won a £60 million contract to build three offshore patrol ships for the Royal Navy. The fishery protection vessels will be leased to the navy and Vosper will support them for five years from the Portsmouth naval base. The first ship is due in service in September 2002.
Department of Health


Deltek launches tool


Business software group Deltek Systems has launched Deltek eProcurement, an online supply chain management tool for project-based and professional services organisations. Users can incorporate their existing purchasing processes into the system. www.deltek.com
ICER launches scheme


The Industry council for electronic equipment recycling (ICER) has launched a voluntary accreditation scheme for companies wanting to improve recycling standards. The scheme has been devised ahead of next year's European directive on waste.
Tea website launched


A website for buying, selling, sourcing and transporting tea has been launched. Eteatrade is claimed to cut the time it takes to transport tea from the estate to shipment stage from 40 days to 15. www.eteatrade.com
Ventro buys NexPrise


British business-to-business e-commerce group Ventro has acquired NexPrise, a US provider of collaborative commerce solutions, for $27 million. NexPrise's products enable procurement, strategic sourcing and project management. www.ventro.com
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