Ex-Google mapping head joins Uber

SAN FRANCISCO - Google's former head of mapping is joining Uber Technologies, as the mobile-car booking start-up ramps up efforts to develop its own technology related to maps, navigation and transport.

Mr Brian McClendon will lead Uber's Advanced Technologies Centre, the company said on Tuesday. He will report to Mr Jeff Holden, Uber's chief product officer.

Google and Uber are increasingly stepping on each other's toes, with the Web search company looking to develop its own ride-hailing technology. Uber may also be targeting self-driving cars, an area where Google has devoted investment and research.

BLOOMBERG

Amazon developing app for delivery

NEW YORK - Amazon is developing a mobile application that would pay ordinary people, rather than courier companies, to deliver packages en route to other destinations, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.

Amazon would enlist brick-and-mortar retailers in urban areas to store the packages, likely renting space from them or paying a per-package fee, the Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

The firm's timing for the service, known internally as "On My Way", could not be learnt, the Journal said. The service could give Amazon more control over the shopping experience and help limit shipping costs, the report said.

REUTERS

EU publishes list of tax havens

BRUSSELS - The European Union has published its first list of international tax havens as part of a crackdown on multinational companies trying to avoid paying tax in the 28-nation bloc.

The list of 30 territories includes Hong Kong and Brunei in Asia; Monaco, Andorra and Guernsey in Europe; and a series of Caribbean havens including the Cayman Islands.

The European Commission is proposing reforms to end sweetheart tax deals following a series of investigations into arrangements between EU countries and firms including Apple and Starbucks.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE