Generating $1.6 billion in sales from the Russian market alone last year, GE is taking the smart route by continuing to solidify its presence in the country. GE's latest move is an agreement with state-controlled entities to upgrade Russia's energy and healthcare systems.
 
GE will have a 50% stake in a deal with Russian Technologies Corp. to assemble and sell medical equipment—tomographic scanners initially and then ultrasound, x-ray, and MRI devices. The venture makes plenty of sense for GE and begs the question of whether other medical device companies will explore such partnerships. And will other countries be as inviting? Of course, it helps that the company has about 2500 employees working in Russia and has already discussed plans for expansion. —Lawrence Lloyd