View this email in your browser THE IRISH TIMES Business Today Monday, 02 March, 2026 Editor's Note Good morning, reader Oil prices have surged overnight and shares have slid with military conflict in the Middle East looking set to last weeks, threatening to upend a global economic recovery and perhaps reignite inflation. Military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran show no sign of lessening, while Iran is responded with missile barrages across the region, risking dragging its neighbours into the conflict. You can read the latest market reaction here. Weight loss drug pioneer Novo Nordisk will invest €432 million in upgrading its Athlone plant to produce the tablet form of its Wegovy therapy. Dominic Coyle has the details. Continue Reading Ciarán Hancock   TOP BUSINESS STORIES Business Oil surges and stocks slide as conflict grips Middle East Business Greg Abel tells Berkshire Hathaway investors that cash pile not a retreat from deal-making Business Weight-loss drug pioneer announces €432m investment to build pill plant in Athlone Business US tactics against Meta open new front in corporate tax fight Business Oil jumps 10% on Iran conflict and could spike to $100 a barrel Pilita Clark Why it makes sense for women to work for women MORE BUSINESS STORIES Work Up to 340 jobs to go at Viatris plant in Damastown, Co Dublin Business European shares inch up to fresh high on strong corporate updates Business Aer Lingus flight attendant sacked for gross misconduct was ‘triggered’ by passenger Business High Court strikes down appeal over examinership refusal for developer of €34.6m office block