This is one of the many nuances of the English language. The first one is tough to explain so I will pass on that for now... In your second example, both "is" and "are" are acceptable. It is merely the difference between British English and American English. The Brits group company names collectively in what is known as a collective noun. Hence, plural form is acceptable. Americans tend to use the singular form of the noun. Hence, the singular form is also acceptable.