Regions
Castro knocks out U.S. trade embargo at UN
Castro knocks out U.S. trade embargo at UN. The Cuban President, Raul Castro spoke Saturday for the first time at the United Nations and salute renewed diplomatic ties with the U.S. as "major progress". However, he knocks out a US trade embargo as the number one hindrance to Cuba's economic development, as reported by MSN News.
Online lender Avant Inc raises $659mn from JPMorgan, PE firms
Chicago-based start-up lender Avant Inc has mobilized $325millions in its latest round of funding from a private equity (PE) firm General Atlantic and JPMorgan Chase & Co. Balyasny Asset Management and Tiger Global Management LLC are also investing in the round taking total fund-raising for Avant to $659mn till date. General Atlantic-led round is expected to close in October. With this fund-raising, the valuation of Avant is pegged at $1billion. The start-up firm is planning to use the mobilized funds to offer various financial products and fund its global expansion plan.
Barrick Gold Corp buys back part of outstanding debt
As part of its debt reduction exercise, the world's largest bullion producer Barrick Gold Corp has offered to buy back some part of its outstanding debt. Despite the drop in gold prices, The Toronto-based Barrick Gold Corp has been selling assets.
Comcast to acquire majority stake in Universal Studios Japan
Comcast Corp. is getting a 51% stake in Universal Studios Japan Co. The US cable company has announced its NBCUniversal unit will pay Goldman Sachs and other owners of USJ Co. $1.5 billion for the majority stake.