Automechanika kicks off in Shanghai

The Shanghai International Trade Fair for Automotive Parts, Equipment and Service Suppliers (Automechanika Shanghai) takes place today at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. The trade event is scheduled to end on Friday.

Business International

Purchase creates world's biggest video game firm

Vivendi SA agreed to buy a controlling stake in Activision Inc, the maker of the Guitar Hero music simulation franchise, for $9.8 billion to create the world's largest maker of video games.

Proton stock up on likely profit

Proton Holdings Bhd, Malaysia's state-owned carmaker, rose the most in more than five months in Kuala Lumpur trading after saying new models may help it return to profit.

Rio boss says company worth more than BHP offer

BHP Billiton's takeover offer for rival Rio Tinto was far away from a true valuation of the smaller company, Rio Tinto's chief executive said.

Are humans' days numbered at NYSE?

The computer age has wiped out the need for human traders in many stock markets around the world, but the New York Stock Exchange is fighting to ensure the survival of its historic trading floor.

IN BRIEF (Page 16)

Business International

Starbucks backs Ethiopian coffee growers

Starbucks Corp plans to open a farmer support center in Ethiopia's capital next year to help growers improve the quality of their coffee crops and boost production using sustainable practices.

It's time for smart investors to plug into solar power

Now that you've blown your next two years' bonuses on subprime mortgages and homebuilder stocks, you need a recovery strategy.

AMR to divest American Eagle in '08

AMR Corp, the parent of American Airlines, plans to divest its American Eagle regional carrier after a drop of as much as 34 percent in the company's stock this year spurred some shareholders to push for asset sales.

Canada probes chocolate 'cartel'

Regulators have launched an investigation into allegations that the Canadian divisions of Nestle, Cadbury, Hershey, Mars and others have teamed up in a price-fixing scheme in the multibillion-dollar Canadian business of chocolate bars, company officials confirmed on Wednesday.