TV hit gives Disney boost

With the success of Walt Disney Co's first High School Musical television movie, Chief Executive Officer Robert Iger saw an opportunity to extend the hit across theme parks, merchandising and the cable-TV division.

Siemens suffers first loss in six years

Siemens AG, Europe's largest engineering company, reported its first loss in six years because of costs to sell its automotive division and a penalty tied to a bribery investigation that has engulfed Siemens for a year.

InBev profit up 8.4%, fails to meet estimates

InBev NV, the world's largest brewer, said third-quarter profit rose 8.4 percent, missing analysts' estimates.

Kirin snaps up San Miguel's Aussie unit

Kirin Holdings Co, Japan's biggest brewer, agreed to buy San Miguel Corp's Australian dairy and fruit juice unit, as it seeks to make up for dwindling beer sales in its home market.

AGL investors snub ex-MD's pay package

Shareholders in AGL Energy Ltd, Australia's biggest electricity and gas retailer, rejected the pay package of former managing director Paul Anthony, who was fired last month after a cut in a two-month-old profit forecast.

IN BRIEF (Page 16)

Crude oil breaks through $98 barrier

Crude oil rose above $98 a barrel for the first time in New York as the dollar tumbled to a record low against the euro and producers evacuated platforms in the North Sea, evading a storm forecast to bring waves as high as 36 feet.

Consumers left out in the cold

When the first snow falls this winter, 61-year-old Grace Murphy won't be turning on the heat in her Dorchester, Massachusetts home.

Business International

Veolia says earnings increased 13 percent

Veolia Environnement SA, the world's biggest water company, said nine-month operating profit rose 13 percent, helped by waste-management acquisitions in the United Kingdom and Germany.

Investors support Wesfarmers offer

Wesfarmers Ltd won approval for its A$19.7 billion ($18.5 billion) offer for Coles Group Ltd as shareholders bet the new owner can reverse a two-year decline in sales growth at Australia's second-largest retailer.

IN BRIEF (Page 16)