The Mercantilist Free Press

[Mercantilist States]

The Mercantilist Free Press

A view from the various Mercantilist States...

[Mercantilist States]

Mercantilist Brewing Co. opens to foreign investors
Tepid response from investors

DECARTES (Decartes Business Journal) - The Mercantilist Brewing Co. announced today it was opening itself to investment from non-Mercantilian citizens, corporation, and states.

"Our beer is the finest in the world," President Henry Adams said at a press conference today. "It's only fair that people from all over Taijitu be given the opportunity to be a part of the experience."

Adams is offering potential investors a personal tour of the brewery where he promised to listen to their concerns and implement their ideas.

Adams announcement, however, has been met with skepticism from the investing public. Historically, investment in Mercantilian companies had been restricted to only citizens and corporations from the Mercantilist States, though no law ever required it.

"This represents the first time in Mercantilist States' history that a Mercantilian corporation is opening itself to foreign investment," said Old Mercantilist University business professor Alan Gingerfield.  "Investors, both Mercantilian and non alike, quite frankly aren't sure if it will work. And as we all know, investors hate uncertainty."

[Mercantilist States]

Mercantilist West O Company granted colony charter
Settlement to be established in Supremo territories

DECARTES (Decartes Business Journal) - Congress today granted the Mercantilist West O Company rights to establish settlements on the islands in the Supremo territories. The Sugar Company Act, which also makes the company the sole exporter of sugar from the territories, passed Congress unanimously.

The Mercantilst West O Company was created last week in a series of acts passed by Congress referred to collectively as the Mercantilist Company Acts.

The settlements will be governed by local elected assemblies, although ultimate authority rests with the President of the Mercantilist States. They will have dominion status and be under the protection of the Merchant Defense Force. The MDF has recently deployed fleets to the region and has recommissioned a former Islas Filipinas base.

[Mercantilist States]

Mercantilist Brewing Co. to expand product lineup
Tobacco production to expand to outside the Mercantilist States

DECARTES (Decartes Business Journal) - The Mercantilist Brewing Co. today announced that it will be expanding its products in the coming week. Expected are new brews, a new whiskey, and a new line of tobacco products - grown outside the Mercantilist States.

In a policy change, the company will begin tobacco cultivation in areas outside the Mercantilist States. Up to this point, all MBC products had been guaranteed to be from the Mercantilist States. The change, however, does not extend to beers and whiskey.

"In an ever increasing global market, we must expand our lineup to stay competitive," Henry Adams, President of the Mercantilist Brewing Co. said in a statement. "There has been increasing pressure to stay competitive across Taijitu."

[Mercantilist States]

MDF Commissions Battleship Line
Ushers in a "New Generation" of naval capability

JAZZO (Jazzo Informer) - The Merchant Defense Force announced they were commissioning a new line of battleships today. It was designed by the Northrup-Mercantile Company, who is also responsible for its construction. The first ship, the MSS Jazzo is scheduled to be completed within the next 3 years.

"The Mercantilist States Navy is entering a new era of naval capability," said MDF spokesman Col. Anthony Powell. "This new generation of battleships will be comparable to anything on the seas today."

The ships are intended to supplement naval fleets who are forward deployed in Dominion and non-Mercantilian waters.

However, top ranking government officials and naval theorists have questioned the effectiveness of such battleships in this era of aircraft carriers.

"This is an utter waste of money," one official said speaking on the condition of anonymity.

Powell maintained that the battleships are not intended to replace aircraft carriers as the primary naval actor, but supplement them.

[Mercantilist States]

Xavier named Secretary of Education
Polk ally to take place in Cabinet

NEWSOUTH (Southern Times) – Outgoing Ambassador William Xavier was named the new Secretary of Education by President Anthony Washington today.
 
“I have always said that here in Newsouth we have the best education system in the entire Mercantilist States,” Xavier said in a conference call from his office at the Newsouth Capitol. “President Washington finally called me on it.”

Xavier, who has in the past has been critical of the Mercantilist States incorporation of military training into the high school education curriculum, said that he currently plans to keep the system in place.

Xavier is considered one of Washington’s and Newsouth Governor James Polk’s closest allies. He was the author of a number of Congressional bills including one granting the West Ginties and the city of Ginto Dominion status and another that incorporated a large portion of the Northwest Territories into the Commonwealth. He has also been a strong proponent of expanding the Mercantilist Dominion.

“William is one of the finest men I’ve worked with, and he will make an excellent Secretary of Education,” Governor Polk said in a statement. “He will bring a Newsouthern perspective to the job.”

Xavier previously served in the Newsouth Senate before being elected Ambassador. He is finishing his third term and was barred from seeking reelection due to term limits.

[Mercantilist States]

Mercantilist Brewing Co. merges with Staropaamen Brewery
MBC acquires controlling interest in Takasian brewer

DECARTES (Decartes Business Journal) - Henry Adams, President of the Mercantilist Brewing Co., with Jan Smichov, CEO and founder of Staropaamen Brewery, announced that the Mercantilst Brewing Co. would be merging with the Paahaa-based brewer in a press conference today.

"This merger will allow us to bring Staropaamen brand products the far reaches of Taijitu," Smichov said. "It is beneficial to all involved."

When asked about the company policy of alcohols only brewed in the Mercantilist States, Adams responded that all Staropaamen brand products would continue to be brewed in Takasia and that it does not violate the company policy. All Mercantilism branded alcohols will continue to be brewed in the Mercantilist States.

"I can ensure any concerned that all Mercantilism brews will continue to be brewed right here at home," Adams said.

The merger comes after weeks of secret negotiations between Adams and Smichov. The Mercantilist Brewing Co. had established a number of distribution hubs in Takasia and acquired farmland in Alland Major.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Mercantilist Brewing Co. acquires 52% of Staroppamen from the Smichov family and Royal Takasian Funds, the primary holders of Staropaamen. In exchange, the Smichov family and Royal Takasian Funds each acquired a 12% stake in the Company. Additionally, Smichov will take a seat on the Company's Board of Directors and the Company becomes the exclusive distributor of Staropaamen branded products.

The merger is not without its critics however.

"No to Staropaamen! No to Mercantilist Beer!" drunken crowds chanted outside local taverns in the Takasian provinces of Smalland and Upland.

Staropaamen is the largest alcohol producer in Takasia.

Note:
Mercantilist Smokes & Brews storefront has been updated.

[Mercantilist States]

Tallent reaches historic high
Central Bank lauded for its efforts

DECARTES (Free Press) - The Mercantilian national currency, the tallent, reached a historic high today trading at $1.9036 against the NS$. The news comes after the latest Board of Governors meeting announced the Mercantilist Central Bank would be raising interest rates.

"This news is the result of adherence to a sound monetary policy, committment to free trade and commerce, and a strengthening full employment economy," the Central Bank said in a statement.

Foreign investors, currency traders, and nations with tallents in their foreign reserves all praised the efforts of the Central Bank.

The news comes after official figures released by the Department of Commerce showed that both average annual earnings and per capita GDP had an above average rise.

"Investors seek the highest returns," said Old Mercantilist University business professor Alan Gingerfield. "Thus, higher interest rates increase demand for a currency."

The Mercantilist Central Bank was created by the Central Banking Act and operates independent of the Mercantilist States Federal Government subject to oversight by the Department of Commerce.

OOC: Hit Frightening. 

[Mercantilist States]

Easteros Merchant Co. steps up recruitment efforts
"See Taijitu"

JAZZO (Jazzville Banner) - The Easteros Merchant Co. announced today that it will be stepping up their recruitment efforts for its security and defense forces.

"We are looking for qualified, hard working, committed individuals to join our business," CEO Gregory Defensor said in a statement. "There are many opportunities for advancement and profit in the Easteros Merchant Company."

Its latest advertisement (see page 6) reads "Join the Easteros Merchant Co. - See Taijitu" and it is offering T$35,000 a year for entry level positions to those who have completed their compulsory military training. It is offering T$50,000 per year for those who have completed their two-year compulsory service in the Merchant Defense Force, and T$10,000 more per year for every year of service after that. There are also quarterly bonuses awarded based on performance. The offer is only open to Mercantilian citizens.

The announcement comes after the Easteros Merchant Co. expanded its private military with three Merc class destroyers, two Mercwolf class submarines, and a number of small and heavy arms purchased from the Northrup-Mercantile Company.

The Easteros Merchant Co. is a holdings company who holds interests in a number of businesses including Merchant Oil, the Aliburten Corporation, Merchant Airlines, Wallis Frieght, and Wallis Storage. Notable investors include the Mercantilist States Federal Government and JazPERS (Jazzo Public Employees' Retirement System).

[Mercantilist States]

Mercantilist Brewing Co. merges with Black Death
MBC enters the cigarette industry

DECARTES (Decartes Business Journal) - Henry Adams, President of the Mercantilist Brewing Co., with Richard Black, CEO of Black Death, World Class Cigarettes announced that the Mercantilst Brewing Co. would be merging with the Carcossa-based company in a press conference today.

"Black Death cigarettes are already one of the most popular brands in Taijitu," Adams said. "It is with great pleasure, that we welcome them into our fold."

Black, with a rifle around his shoulder and smoking a black cigarette, made no comments.

The merger comes after the pair returned from a trade conference in Llanydern where the principles of the arrangement were negotiated.

The Mercantilist Brewing Co. acquires 75% ownership of Black Death, while Black Death acquires a 10% stake in MBC. One of the first moves Adams made was change the name of the cigarettes from Black Death to World Class citing the latter's broader appeal; but added "they will continue to have the same great taste that has come to set Black Death apart." 

Black will take a seat on the Company's Board of Directors and the Company becomes the exclusive distributor of Black Death cigarettes, tobacco, and opium. Black Death will continue to market its various paraphernalia products separately.

Note:
Mercantilist Smokes & Brews storefront has been updated.

[Mercantilist States]

East Jazzville granted Dominion status
Protectorate expands

DECARTES (Free Press) - The Mercantilist States Congress voted unanimously today to grant East Jazzville and the islands off its coast Dominion status. East Jazzville is a city on the Easteros continent under the administration of the Easteros Merchant Company. The move comes after the Merchant Defense Force recently established a base in the area.

"We are delighted by the news," said Nathan Temple, Chief Operations Officer of the Company from his office in East Jazzville. "The MDF and the Mercantilist States know a good investment when they see one."

Congress and the President's office declined to comment.

[Mercantilist States]

Mercantilist West O Company hires Takasian rail expert
Creates new "Rail Division" of the Company

DECARTES (Decartes Business Journal) - The Mercantilist West O Company today announced the hiring of Fredrik Zimmer of Die Bahn to head up its newly created Rail Division.

Zimmer is known as the person who revolutionized Die Bahn, where he worked as Chief Technology Officer. He was the one who introduced high speed train, the ICE, to Takasia. He has also introduced Maglev to the Airport Link between St. Takasburg and Paahaa International Airport.

The move comes after the West O Company expanded its operations in Arveoli acquiring an interest in the development and implementation of CGV rail technology with the New Delfos Government and Rail Arveoli (International) Limited (RAIL).

The West O Company is also the chief administrator of Merchant City, a popular tourist destination on Arveoli.

[Mercantilist States]

EAST JAZZVILLE ATTACKED
Bayan destroyed, Ft. Jena out of commission

DECARTES (Free Press) - The Mercantilist Dominion was the victim of a merciless attack from pirates yesterday. The MDF would not reveal the source or nationality of the pirates, but said that they were "on it."

Ft. Jena is believed to have been the primary target of the attack, however East Jazzville and Bayan were also hit. Bayan was completely destroyed and East Jazzville took heavy damage. Bayan and East Jazzville are an outpost and city under the administration of the Easteros Merchant Co.

"Our operations in Easteros will continue," said Manny Cartwright, spokesman from the Easteros Merchant Co. "We are only considering this a minor setback in our grander plans for the Easteros continent."

There are conflicting reports of the casualties, but it is believed to be somewhere around 6,000 including civilian and military personnel.

Calls to the President's office were not immediately returned.