Sony profit rises on asset, stock sell-off

Sony Corp, the world's second-largest consumer-electronics maker, reported profit rose more than it projected after selling buildings, chip-making assets and shares of its financial unit.

Euro's glass remains half-empty

Ten years ago this month, the leaders of the European Union named the 11 countries that would merge their currencies into a single unit as a step toward transforming the region's political and economic tapestry.

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Business International

Battle rages over doll's 'parentage'

Mattel Inc, the world's biggest toymaker, may add as much as $500 million a year to its revenue by winning a copyright suit against MGA Entertainment Inc over the Barbie doll's hip urban rival, Bratz (pictured).

HBO to sell shows on Apple's iTunes

Apple Inc's iTunes online store will sell television shows from Time Warner Inc's HBO cable network, including The Sopranos and The Wire, the companies said yesterday.

Game chip powers up Wall St, Hollywood

International Business Machines Corp, the largest computer-services provider, is making lower-cost supercomputers for Wall Street firms and movie studios using chips designed for video-game consoles.

Italian firm acquires Pentagon supplier

Finmeccanica SpA, Italy's biggest defense company, agreed to buy US military electronics maker DRS Technologies Inc for $4 billion to win Pentagon contracts.

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Business International

Allianz says Q1 earnings fell by 65%

Allianz SE, Europe's biggest insurer, said a loss at Dresdner Bank and lower profit at its insurance divisions drove earnings down 65 percent in the first quarter.

HSBC sets aside $3.2b for more US bad loans

HSBC Holdings Plc, Europe's biggest bank by market value, set aside a smaller-than-estimated $3.2 billion for bad loans in the United States and said first-quarter profit was higher than a year earlier.