Nothing focuses managers' minds on maximising profits like having to meet hefty interest charges, and increased borrowing can also cut a firm's tax bill.

ECONOMIST: M&S and Debenhams

They have also dropped some of their nicer ones, such as putting obligation to their local communities above maximising their profits.

ECONOMIST: The WASP in the ointment

Under the American form of capitalism, private enterprise is about maximising short-term profits for those who invest.

ECONOMIST: BY INVITATION: The high road that leads out of the Low Countries | The