major factor in the Dutch economy are the numerous amounts of large, independent companies. One such company is a gas and oil company known as Royal Dutch/Shell. Shell gas stations are located all over the world, primarily in North America and in Europe. Despite outrageous gas prices in the Netherlands, like $4.15 per gallon, Shell has 12,954 gasoline stations in Europe alone (Jansen 44; Firms Agree NA). The high gas prices in the Netherlands are due to a government tax on gas. Almost 80 percent of the price of gas goes to taxes. The government has placed such a high tax on fuel in an attempt to cut down traffic and environmental pollution. Shell is not going to let the high gas price affect their growth, however. In a recent deal between Shell and PetroFina, the companies have agreed to swap Shell gasoline stations in the Netherlands for Fina Inc. stations and other marketing activities in Norway (Firms Agree NA). If the deal goes through without any hindrance from the EU Commission antitrust authorities, then Shell share would be the highest in the Netherlands, where they would control 42.3 percent of the pumps. Their closest competitor is Texaco which only has 2,984 gas stations which are mostly in Britain.In addition to the large companies, entertainment is starting to play vital role in the economy. As of late, there has been a big stir among television companies over the anticipated arrival of the new Fox channel. Fox television hit America and practically took over. They show a wide variety of family shows, shows that are geared more towards women, and, to satisfy the men, numerous sporting events. "Commercial channels in Holland, already strapped with meager profits and splintered audiences, are bracing for a new round of competition with the relaunch of niche channel TV10 as a new Fox Group outlet. . ." (Edmunds 52). Previously, TV10 had been showing Fox Kids shows during the day and getting rave reviews. Howeve...
