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.

Business International

Delta to acquire Northwest for $3.63b

Delta Air Lines Inc, one year removed from bankruptcy, agreed to buy Northwest Airlines Corp in a $3.63 billion stock deal that would create the world's largest carrier and may unleash more industry consolidation.

Tesco profit beats estimates

Tesco Plc, the UK's biggest supermarket company, said annual profit rose 12 percent, beating analysts' estimates, as higher revenue in Asia and eastern Europe offset slowing UK sales of clothes and appliances.

Toyota, VW sales drop in Europe

Toyota Motor Corp, PSA Peugeot Citroen and Volkswagen AG led the biggest drop in European car sales in more than four years as economic concerns held back buying and an early Easter cut the number of selling days.

Business International

Delta, Northwest may unveil merger

Delta Air Lines Inc and Northwest Airlines Corp may announce a merger to create the world's largest carrier as early as today, following a meeting of Northwest's board yesterday, people familiar with the talks said.

Drop in TV prices drags down Philips Q1 profit

Royal Philips Electronics NV, Europe's largest consumer electronics maker, reported a bigger decline in first-quarter profit than analysts estimated as flat-panel television sales and prices fell.

Machine maker sold for $1.9b

Manitowoc Co, the biggest ice-machine maker in the US, agreed to buy Enodis Plc for 948 million pounds ($1.87 billion) to become the world's largest supplier of catering equipment.

Special supplement: Chinaplas 2008 kicks off Thursday in Shanghai

Chinaplas 2008, the 22nd International Exhibition of the Plastics and Rubber Industries, will return to China's commercial hub when it opens at the Shanghai New International Expo Center from April 17 to 20.

Business International