In Short

A round-up of today's business news in brief

Reaction is mixed to latest iPhone

There has been mixed reaction from analysts to the latest iPhone, announced by Apple on Monday night.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs showed off a redesigned $199 (€166.10) “iPhone 4” that is a quarter slimmer than the current handset. The device boasts a higher quality screen and better battery life, video chat via Wi-Fi, and a gyroscope sensor for improved gaming.

The device is expected to go on sale in Ireland in July, although no further details are available regarding pricing. – (Reuters)

Rabobank man to fill ACCBank post

A member of the management at the international division of Dutch banking giant Rabobank has been appointed chairman of the bank’s Irish operations, ACCBank an Rabobank Ireland.

Sander Pruijs replaces Rutger Schellens as chairman of Rabobank Ireland and ACC.

Mr Pruijs is on the management team for Rabobank’s international retail and rural banking which has responsibility for Europe, Asia and Australia-New Zealand.

Dutch banker Frederikus Weenig has also joined the board of ACCBank.

Microsoft plan to repay debt

Microsoft plans to make a private offering of senior notes and use the proceeds to repay short-term debt, the company announced yesterday.

The technology company also said it intends to repurchase shares of its common stock during or after the private offering.

The offering represents $1.15 billion in aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2013.

The initial buyers will have a 13-day option to purchase up to $100,000 principal amount of additional convertible notes. – (Reuters)