Complete these sentences using the correct form of one of the words above. Make your own sentences to show that you understand the difference in their meaning.

1. Many firms try to survive by … productivity.

2. We are trying … money to buy a new computer class.

3. My boss … my salary by 5%.

4. The petrol prices … by 15 % this week.

5. West European car sales … from 1 to 1,5 million.

6. Sales have … by 8 % this month.

7. We have … our profit levels by 10 %.

8. They managed to … sufficient capital to keep the company buoyant.

9. She … the question of overtime payments.

10. His report … some valuable points.

11. Companies needing money for development may … capital on the stock exchange by selling shares.

12. Large and small businesses need a capital market in which they can … finance.

13. Prices are … at an alarming rate.

14. They … their fees last year.

 

Exercises in Comprehension

 

Ex.1. Answer the following questions:

1. What do you know about different relationships that companies can have with one another?

2. What is a group?

3. Is a subsidiary owned by another company?

4. What is a holding company?

5. What is a conglomerate?

6. Under what circumstances is a joint venture formed?

7. Why do companies unite into a consortium?

 

Ex.2. What is the difference between:

a parent company – a sister company

a group – a joint venture

a conglomerate – a consortium

 

Ex.3. Sum up what the text says about:

s parent companies

s subsidiaries

s conglomerates

s joint ventures

s a consortium

 

Grammar Revision

 

Present Perfect Continuous   We use the Present Perfect Continuous: s to talk about actions or situations that began in the past and continue in the present He has been working for Lloyds since 1998. s to talk about a recent action that has a result in the present I have been working on the project – that’s why I am so tired.

 

Ex.1. Choose the correct variant:

1. He has developed /has been developing a new product for a month.

2. She has worked/has been working overtime since May.

3. My firm has sold/has been selling shares since September.

4. Have you read/have you been reading our company development programme all day?

5. I have waited/have been waiting for our partners since 2 o’clock.

6. I have worked/have been working so hard that I haven’t seen my family for weeks.

7. They have exhibited/have been exhibiting this new model since May.

8. My friend has looked/has been looking around for a new flat, but he hasn’t found it yet.

9. What new products have you advertised/have you been advertising since I last visited you?

10. How long have you worked/have you been working as a consultant?

11. I have tried/have been trying to ring them all day.

12. I have run/have been running the company since 2000.