Despite suffering from increased beer taxes in Russia, Danish brewer Carlsberg retains optimism for its performance in the crucial market, as the first quarter of the year did see a rise in its market share. Sportswear titan Nike apparently hopes to plans to sign a franchising agreement with re:Store Retail Group in order to expand its presence in Russia. Steel and coking coal producer Mechel has said that its net profit reached $727.9 million in 2011, an increase of 10.8% from the year-earlier period thanks to higher profits at its mining unit. According to a Bloomberg News survey, Russia’s central bank is unlikely to cut interest rates for a fifth month, indicating its determination to hold inflation at a record low.