In today's increasingly competitive business climate, traditional business growth is more difficult than ever. Given the high cost of attracting new customers, and the slowing economy, business growth through acquisition makes sound commercial sense.

A First Hawaiian Bank study predicts that Hawaii's economy will continue to deteriorate before an upward swing in 2010. The report by Hawaii Pacific University professor Leroy Laney was presented to an annual business forum.

Ian McConnell business editor ian.mcconnell@theherald.co.uk THE UK economy grew by just 0.4% in the first three months of this year, the weakest quarterly expansion for three years, official figures revealed yesterday.

WASHINGTON -- The nation's leading business group on Thursday urged President-elect Barack Obama to devote the early days of his presidency to reviving the economy, leaving more controversial issues

Despite the nation's uncertain economy, the number of small business owners planning at least one week's vacation this summer is unchanged from a year ago.