News roundup: top business stories on Friday

Ireland to exit programme next year, Gilmore says; Europcar to open in Navan and Galway, create 50 jobs; Irish retail sales up 1.4% year-on-year.

The main business stories at midday
The main business stories at midday

**The top business stories on Friday:**

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**Ireland** to exit programme next year, Gilmore says.

**Kenny** to meet Merkel in Berlin on November 1st.

**Ireland** may face new conditions for bank deal.

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**Europcar** to open in Navan and Galway, create 50 jobs.

**AIB** to close 44 branches across the country.

**ESB** says not right time to sell inflation-linked bond.

**European shares** drop as earnings disappoint, eye US data.