Business International

BP, Conoco announce pipe plans

Two of the world's largest oil companies unveiled plans to jointly develop a multibillion dollar pipeline to move natural gas from Alaska's energy-rich North Slope to US markets.

Levi's pockets higher Q1 profit

Levi Strauss & Co began its new fiscal year with a 10th straight quarter of higher profits, but the jeans maker's momentum appears to be tapering off as the US economy frays.

IN BRIEF (Page 16)

Business International

Scotch whisky enjoys renaissance

The noise is deafening at Diageo PLC's Abercrombie coppersmiths as skilled workers hammer away, molding 14 large bell-shaped stills destined for Scotland's first new whisky distillery in more than three decades.

Russia's men of steel snap up assets stateside

Russia's steel elite, with cash to burn from record profits, has accumulated almost 10 percent of US steelmaking capacity as it bets big that demand in the world's largest economy will ride out a global credit crunch.

Starbucks hopes new brew can perk up fortunes

In a bid to reinvigorate lackluster US traffic, Starbucks Corp introduced a new, everyday brew called Pike Place Roast yesterday and for 30 minutes handed out free 240 ml samples.

Biz people

Appel to bide his time on sale

IN BRIEF (Page 16)

Business International

Novartis sets sights on Nestle's Alcon

Novartis AG agreed to buy a 25 percent stake in Nestle SA's Alcon Inc for $11 billion and said it may acquire the rest to become the world's biggest maker of eye-care products.