Russian metals giant Norilsk Nickel announced today (October 7th) that it has registered a new UK company, Norilsk Nickel Europe Limited, which will be its main sales and distribution centre on world markets.

The new interest was established to develop Norilsk's presence on the international trading stage, and will have units in America, Switzerland and Hong Kong, deputy chief executive Viktor Sprogis told Reuters.

'We have increased our sales in various regions', he said, 'including the Asian and American markets, and therefore we are developing our sales network to have an active position in Europe and other markets.'

He confirmed that the names of the new companies being set up would all contain the Norilsk Nickel brand name, for the purpose fashioning a recognisable image.

Norimet, the company's main sales unit outside Russia, is to assume responsibility for Norilsk's foreign assets, including the American firm Stillwater Mining Co, which it purchased earlier in the year.