Pfizer Inc (PFE.N) said it would buy Hospira Inc (HSP.N) for about $15 billion to boost its portfolio of generic injectable drugs and copies of biotech medicines.
Regions
Sri Lanka backs China port city deal after threat to cancel
Sri Lanka's cabinet said on Thursday it would allow a $1.5 billion "port city" deal with China to go ahead, dropping a threat to cancel a project approved by the previous government.
Oil rallies as bullish signals promise second weekly gain
Crude oil traded $2 higher before paring gains on Friday, on track for a second weekly increase, as chaos in Libya and stronger economic signals from the United States helped futures rebound from near-six-year lows.
For Google, new FCC rules may bring unfamiliar government oversight
One of Google Inc's major business operations could fall under the day-to-day jurisdiction of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission for the first time, potentially subjecting the fast-moving Internet company to regulations it has often criticized.
Europe shares dip; Sunrise climbs in market debut
European stocks dipped on Friday, with regional indexes pausing just below recent multi-year highs as investors looked to the January U.S. non-farm payrolls report due later in the session.
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Union leaders rejected a sixth contract offer Royal Dutch Shell Plc made to U.S. refinery workers, and a pause in negotiations was called Thursday on the fifth day of a strike, though talks are set to resume next week.
Hyundai Motor Co's chairman and his son sold $1.1 billion worth of shares in logistics firm Hyundai Glovis Co Ltd, finding success in their second attempt at a sale after committing to a long lock-up period for their remaining stakes and slashing the price.
Verizon Communications (VZ.N) said it would sell wireline assets to Frontier Communications (FTR.O) for $10.54 billion in cash and sell and lease cell phone towers for around $5 billion to American Tower in a deal that will help it pay off recent wireless spectrum purchases.
Chinese bankers welcomed Beijing's decision to cut the level of reserves they must hold, hoping they can put the freed-up cash to profitable use, but struggling Chinese companies hoping it will mean more and cheaper loans are likely to be disappointed.
Crude oil prices rose as much as $1 on Friday, continuing a rebound from near six-year lows plumbed last week, but rising global inventories and steady OPEC supply will likely cap gains.
News Corp (NWSA.O), owner of the Wall Street Journal and HarperCollins, reported quarterly revenue and a profit just above analysts' consensus forecast as its book publishing and real estate businesses offset dwindling print revenue.
Asian shares edged higher in early trade on Friday and oil prices continued to rebound, even as investors remained wary ahead of the key U.S. nonfarm payrolls report for January later in the session.
Electronics retailer RadioShack Corp filed for U.S. bankruptcy protection on Thursday and said it had a deal in place to sell as many as 2,400 stores to an affiliate of hedge fund Standard General, its lender and largest shareholder.
Ireland's finance minister said on Wednesday Goldman Sachs (GS.N) is advising the Irish state free of charge on the sale of one of its banks in order to boost its reputation and was one of five investment banks to offer to work pro bono.
