Wipro has posted a 18.76 per cent rise in the net profit at Rs 978.20 crore for the second quarter ended September 30, 2008, as compared to Rs 898.30 crore in the same period of previous year.

The company’s net sales increased to Rs 6519.60 crore for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, compared to Rs 5981.10 crore in the April-June quarter.

Hong Kong - The benchmark Hang Seng Index to fall 5.15 per cent on Wednesday to close at 14,266.6 points, or 774.57 points down on the day.

Turnover was 54 billion Hong Kong dollars (6.92 billion dollars).

The index crashed 6.5 per cent to 14,038.41 points, its lowest level since July 2005, before recovering slightly before the close.

Concerns about corporate profits came after several companies, including China's Huaneng Power International, Jiangxi Copper and Singamas Container (Holdings) warned they faced tougher times ahead.

Human resource services firm Manpower Inc. has acquired 100% stake in its Indian subsidiary - Manpower Services India Pvt. Ltd from ABC Consultants for an undisclosed amount.

Pantaloon Retail India, a Future Group firm, has reported a 22 per cent rise in the net profit at Rs 36.18 crore for the second quarter ended September 30, 2008, as compared to Rs 29.69 crore in th