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)

SingTel rings up rise in profit, eyes acquisitions

SingTel, Southeast Asia's top phone firm, reported a 3.3 percent rise in quarterly profit, with a strong performance at home and record subscriber growth at its Indian affiliate but weaker earnings at its Australian unit.

A rise to the top that's no surprise

Jeffrey Bewkes' ascension to the top executive post at the world's biggest media company Time Warner Inc, unlike his predecessor's, surprised no one.

Business International

Bewkes to pick up media giant's baton

Time Warner Inc's board on Monday elected Jeffrey Bewkes to succeed Richard Parsons as chief executive on January 1, stoking expectations that big changes lie ahead for the world's largest media company.

Ford strikes deal to keep 6 plants open

Ford Motor Co will keep six plants open and pay $15.4 billion to create a retiree healthcare fund under an agreement United Auto Workers officials approved on Monday (local time), clearing the way for a rank-and-file vote.

JAL increases profit forecast

Japan Airlines Corp, Asia's largest carrier, raised its forecast for full-year operating profit 37 percent as it lowered costs by speeding up job cuts.

Will Texas scrubland yield Pickens rich pickings?

Boone Pickens, the high-rolling oilman, may have engineered one of his shrewdest takeovers yet in the form of eight acres of Texas scrubland.

IN BRIEF (Page 16)

Business International