IN BRIEF (Page 16)

Business International

Welch threatens to 'shoot' Immelt over earnings

Former General Electric Co chief executive Jack Welch said that he would "get a gun out and shoot" his successor, Jeffrey Immelt, if he allowed GE to miss earnings targets again.

Samsung chairman indicted on tax charges

Special prosecutors said yesterday they indicted Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee on charges of tax evasion and breach of trust, though cleared the conglomerate of allegations it kept a slush fund used for bribery.

Toyota profit may slide 20 percent

Toyota Motor Corp's operating profit may decline about 20 percent this fiscal year because of slowing US sales and a stronger yen, the Nikkei newspaper reported.

Woodside first-quarter sales increase 22%

Woodside Petroleum Ltd, Australia's second-largest oil and gas producer, said first-quarter sales rose 22 percent as the effect of higher prices outweighed a drop in production.

Thomson Reuters to focus on integration in Big Apple

Thomson Corp, which completed its $15.9 billion purchase of Reuters Group Plc yesterday, faces the most work merging operations in New York, said Tom Glocer, who will lead the combined company.

IN BRIEF (Page 16)

Business International

Multimedia phones boost LG's earnings

LG Electronics Inc, the best performing stock among the world's major mobilephone makers, reported its second-highest profit in almost four years, driven by sales of its touch-screen Viewty and Voyager handsets.

Nokia stock drop reversal hangs on profit surprise

Nokia Oyj shareholders say a rebound from the stock's worst quarter in almost four years depends on Chief Executive Officer Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo beating earnings estimates for the fourth straight time.

March inflation in Europe up 3.6%

European inflation accelerated more than initially estimated in March as energy prices increased and the cost of foods including rice and dairy products rose at a record pace.