Startup biotech company Quantec Ltd has signed a Mexican distribution partner agreement to launch its anti-acne cream, the only treatment globally with a patented ingredient derived from cow’s milk. The Hamilton-based company launched the Epiology brand of anti-acne cream in New Zealand pharmacies in May and claims to have already gained a 10 percent share of the market.  The anti-acne cream is now …

Denmark has toppled New Zealand as having the world’s least corrupt public sector, in part because of the long gestation of new anti-graft legislation, which meant the nation couldn’t ratify the UN convention against corruption. New Zealand’s score of 91 out of 100 in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index for 2014,  while Denmark moved up one point to 92. Nearest neighbour Australia’s score fell to …

New Zealand shares rose led by Chorus as investors mull the impact of the proposed regulated price on the network operator’s copper lines, while Spark New Zealand extended its decline on the prospect higher costs. Fonterra Shareholders’ Fund gained on falling global dairy prices. The NZX 50 Index rose 73.031 points, or 1.3 percent, to 5503.066. Within the index, 40 stocks rose, …