Austria's top economic news - January 14

Fibre producer Lenzing, which has carried out a 1:7 share split recently, plans to make a secondary offering in order to ease its entry on the capital market, CEO Peter Untersperger told Die Presse. The company's aim is to enter the ATX main index of the Vienna Stock Exchange and therefore needs at least 25% in free float.
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The economic indicator of Bank Austria slowed down in December 2010, pulled down by the somewhat reduced consumer optimism. Still, the economists predict a 2% growth in Austria's GDP for 2011 compared to the projected 1.9% in 2010. According to the specialists, the recovery in the country's economy will continue into 2011 but at a lower pace compared to some of the months in 2010. The sentiment continues to be supported by Austria's industry, Bank Austria said.

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High Tech Industries AG has closed the 100% takeover of energy technology specialist Hitzinger. HTI has owned 80% in Hitzinger so far. No financial details were provided.
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Volksbank Wien said it raised its credit volume 13% to EUR 1.48bn in 2010. The volume of client deposits grew by 8% to EUR 2.2bn.
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UniCredit Bank Austria has announced its intention to boost its shareholding in real estate company CA Immobilien Anlagen AG to almost 30% from 12% currently. The bank revealed a EUR 12.35 per share offer at the start of December.
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In order to return its state aid, troubled OeVAG may divest its 6% shareholding in Raiffeisen Zentralbank (RZB), Kronen Zeitung reported. The stake may be sold to the Raiffeisen regional banks.
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Austria's annual inflation rate stood at 2.3% in December 2010, boosted by a 16% increase in mineral oil products, Statistik Austria said. The euro-zone harmonised consumer price index came in at 2.2%.
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Austria's annual inflation rate stood at 1.9% for 2010, Statistik Austria reported. The euro-zone harmonised consumer price index came in at 1.7%. The fuel and heating oil prices were the main triggers of the index during the year.