Starbucks

The European Commission opened a formal antitrust investigation into Amazon's e-book business on June 11, opening yet another front in mounting EU scrutiny of America's global tech giants. 

The investigation adds to the pressure on the online retailer in Europe, where it is already being investigated for the low tax rates it pays in Luxembourg. 

Online retail giant Amazon said on May 26 it has started declaring sales in four European countries which would now be subject to local taxes, a move that could affect other multinationals under EU investigation for possible tax avoidance.   

Months after ending its tradition of CD sales, coffee giant Starbucks on May 18 confirmed the rapid growth of music streaming as it announced a partnership with Spotify.

The Bulgarian business of US coffee chain Starbucks, which is currently held by Greek firm Marinopoulos Coffee Company, will change its owner.

AmRest Holdings SE, the largest independent chain restaurant operator in Central and Eastern Europe, announced in a media statement on its website that it was acquiring the Bulgarian and Romanian businesses of Starbucks.

Calls are growing for a boycott of Israeli products in Turkey, with a number of professional associations urging consumers to refrain from buying goods from a list of companies prepared following Israel’s recent Gaza operations.