IN BRIEF (Page 17)

Business International

Google could gain from battle of giants

Neither Microsoft Corp nor Yahoo Inc wants to blink first in the software giant's proposed $41.7 billion takeover of the Web pioneer but as the gamesmanship drags on, archrival Google Inc, the merger's raison d'etre, is the biggest beneficiary.

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.