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.

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.