Bid may continue to be 'distraction'

Yahoo Inc has faced significant distraction from Microsoft Corp's unsolicited takeover bid, the company warned investors on Wednesday in its annual report filed with US regulators.

Brewer posts profit hike

InBev, the world's second-largest beer producer by volume, reported a 16.5 percent like-for-like rise in 2007 core profit yesterday, beating expectations, but said it faced greater challenges in 2008.

Viacom Q4 earnings 'probably rose'

Viacom Inc, the media company controlled by Sumner Redstone, may say fourth-quarter profit rose on higher ratings at its MTV cable networks and DVD sales of the Transformers movie.

IN BRIEF (Page 17)

Business International

Crude oil rises past $102 mark

Crude oil rose to a record above $102 a barrel as a weakening dollar spurred investors to buy commodities priced in the US currency.

Dollar declines to new low of $1.50 against euro

The dollar weakened below $1.50 per euro for the first time on speculation Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke will indicate the US central bank is ready to cut interest rates from a three-year low.

Ospel vows to remain at helm

UBS AG Chairman Marcel Ospel, urging shareholders to approve the bank's plan to replenish capital, said his duty is to stay "on the front lines" while the company seeks to return to profit.

Sun's Schwartz stands by firm's free software

Sun Microsystems Inc Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Schwartz, criticized by analysts for giving away the company's software, defended the plan, saying it will boost sales of server computers needed to operate the programs.

Toll Brothers suffers second straight loss

Toll Brothers Inc, the largest US luxury homebuilder, reported its biggest quarterly loss in 22 years as the worst housing recession in more than two decades forced the company to write down the value of developments.

IN BRIEF (Page 17)

Strong year sees StanChart earnings increase

Standard Chartered beat forecasts with a 27 percent rise in 2007 profit and said it was set for another strong year as Asian markets were well placed to cope with a US economic downturn, sending its shares higher.