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.

IN BRIEF (Page 16)

Business International

Spector keeps $382m as Bear Stearns implodes

Warren Spector, forced out as president of Bear Stearns Cos last August, may have outdone his former mentor James Cayne as the 85-year-old brokerage firm imploded.

Morgan Stanley earnings drop 42%

Morgan Stanley, which reported the first loss in its history three months ago, said earnings fell 42 percent, less than analysts estimated, as investment banking fees dwindled and loan values declined.

BoE 'unaware' of UK bank woes

The Bank of England said it isn't aware of a problem at any UK bank, in a rare response yesterday to market speculation that HBOS or another big name faced trouble as the financial market crisis deepens.

Hands predicts 'many' LBO writedowns

Guy Hands, chief executive officer of Terra Firma Capital Partners Ltd, said buyout firms will have to slash the value of "many" of their investments as turmoil in the credit markets and an economic slowdown bite.

Gloomy mood leads to slide in European stocks

European stocks fell as investors speculated banks may have further writedowns and Ericsson AB's handset unit said earnings will decline. US index futures retreated.

IN BRIEF (Page 16)

Business International

Financial stocks lead recovery

Stocks in Europe and Asia rose for the first time in four days, led by financial shares, on speculation the Federal Reserve will make the deepest interest-rate cut in more than two decades. US index futures advanced.