IN BRIEF (Page 16)

Business International

Bear leaps on report of boosted bid

Bear Stearns Cos surged 54 percent in early trading in New York after the New York Times reported that JPMorgan Chase & Co may quintuple its takeover offer for Bear Stearns Cos to more than $1 billion in an effort to win support from employees and shareholders opposed to the deal.

Crude oil falls to $101 a barrel

Oil prices fell yesterday as investors sought to lock in profits and as top exporter Saudi Arabia reassured consumers of its plans to boost supply.

Dollar up against yen on rate cut speculation

The dollar rose against the yen on speculation the Federal Reserve's interest-rate cuts and efforts to spur lending will help revive economic growth.

Wachovia's balance sheet doesn't fool Mr Market

How will we know when it's time to call a bottom to the mortgage mess? Here's one benchmark: As long as Wachovia Corp hasn't cleaned up its books, there's probably still more to come.

IN BRIEF (Page 16)

Business International

Asians to get boost at NY auto show

Nissan Motor Co, Honda Motor Co and their Asian peers may get a bigger sales boost than their US rivals from vehicles introduced at the annual New York auto show this week.

Apple considers iTunes shakeup

Apple Inc is mulling a plan to upend its iTunes business by giving people unlimited free access to the music library if they are willing to pay more for the iPod and iPhone devices they use for playing and storing the digital media, according to a published report.

Intel to increase availability of cheap laptops

Intel Corp said sub-$300 laptops initially designed for poor children will soon be available to US and European consumers in a move that could further push down computer prices.

Rentokil CEO, chairman get their marching orders

Rentokil Initial Plc, the world's largest pest-control company, fired Chief Executive Officer Doug Flynn and Chairman Brian McGowan, three weeks after forecasting a drop in profit this year.