Credit crunch means it's a new M&A ballgame

There's a revival under way in billion-dollar takeover offers, and the latest batch of deals shows how this year's credit crunch changed the landscape for mergers and acquisitions.

IN BRIEF (Page 16)

Business International

Google tops $600, but $700 may be harder to hit

Google Inc shares rose from $500 to $600 in 11 months. The next $100 gain may take longer.

Not the time to do the splits

Companies often turn to stock splits to make their shares easier to buy and sell. This isn't an issue for Google Inc, the owner of the world's most popular search engine, even though its stock exceeded $600 on Monday for the first time.

RBS pays 'big price' to control ABN

Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc, winner in the six-month takeover battle for ABN Amro Holding NV, now faces the challenge of convincing its shareholders the 71.9 billion-euro buyout adds value.

Biz People

Zietz to stay put as Puma CEO

IN BRIEF (Page 16)

Business International

Both sides stand to lose from GM strike

For those who believe General Motors Corp is in the midst of spectacular turnaround from its many woes, Monday's walkout by the United Auto Workers union was a dose of reality.

Stoppage could shut Canadian, Mexican plants

The strike at General Motors Corp will cause US production losses of 760 vehicles per hour and could shut the automaker's facilities in Canada and Mexico within three days, a leading industry analyst said.

Employees greet walkout with nervousness, stoicism

Members of the United Auto Workers union at General Motors Corp reacted with a mixture of nervousness, surprise and stoicism on Monday after their union called a strike against the top US automaker.