Financial News

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Kroger Co., the largest U.S. grocery store, submitted a preliminary takeover bid for rival Albertsons Inc., competing against several private equity firms for the hand of the No. 2 U.S. grocer, sources familiar with the situation said Friday. News that a bid was in the works sent Albertsons (up $1.29 to $24.06, Research) shares up 3.5 percent in after-hours ...

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- US Airways Group said Friday that it's raised $113 million in additional equity from the investors that helped finance the company's emergence from bankruptcy and its merger with America West Holdings.   MARKETWATCH TOP NEWS U.S. stocks trade mixed; Caterpillar weighs on the Dow Google profit surges; target lifted to $450 by 3 firms Cater ...

Special Report full coverage Caterpillar warns, stock tumbles Xerox's 3Q profit meets estimates All signals go for Google Schlumberger pumps up 3Q profits PLUS: Earnings Calendar NEW YORK (Reuters) - Home appliance maker Maytag Corp. reported a bigger-than-expected third-quarter loss Friday, hurt by higher e ...

WASHINGTON (Dow Jones) - Long-distance giant AT&T Corp., which is slated to be acquired by SBC Communications Inc., posted a solid third-quarter profit and lifted its 2005 sales forecast. AT&T said Friday that earnings rose to $520 million, or 64 cents a share, reversing a year-ago loss of $7.1 billion, or $8.99 a share, a year ago. The 2004 quarter included a $11.4 billion writedown in t ...

Special Report full coverage Caterpillar cuts outlook, shares fall Xerox's 3Q profit meets estimates Schlumberger pumps up 3Q profits Ericsson falls on lower margins PLUS: Earnings Calendar  QUICK VOTE   Do you agree with our take on Verizon's stock?   Yes   No  ...

LONDON (Reuters) - Businessman Gerry Robinson failed in his attempt to seize control of Rentokil Initial (RTO.L: Quote, Profile, Research) on Friday after talks with shareholders, aimed at ousting the firm's current management, broke down. On Monday Robinson ruled out a bid for the pest control-to-security services firm and pinned his hopes on Rentokil shareholders overthrowing management and in ...

LONDON (Dow Jones) -- Swedish telecom-equipment maker Ericsson AB said Friday net profit rose 23% as strong demand for mobile-phone services drove sales of switches and base stations. Net income rose to SEK5.3 billion ($675 million) from SEK4.35 billion. Sales climbed 14% to SEK36.2 billion, in line with consensus expectations. Ericsson noted that sales fell 6% sequentially, which it attribu ...

LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Swedish telecom-equipment maker Ericsson AB said Friday net profit rose 23% as strong demand for mobile-phone services drove sales of switches and base stations. EARNINGSWATCH Ericsson profit climbs 23%, but margins decline Valeo 3Q net falls, sees higher auto production in Europe Ericsson profit climbs 23% as sales rise 14% Google, AT&T, Xerox, Wye ...

Evening Standard21 October 2005 JAMES MURDOCH today thrust BSkyB back into the forefront of the communications revolution with a £211m knockout bid for broadband internet group Easynet. OTHER STORIES Black box spy in the car boot Market report: Friday preview Furore over WPP guru's women comment High St fightback dents rate-cut prospects Tax rise alert as Treasury dives into red ...

BOGOTA, Colombia (Reuters) - A public offer for shares of Colombia's biggest brewer, Bavaria (BAV.CN: Quote, Profile, Research) , will be held on December 5, Colombia's Stock Market Superintendency said on Thursday. Anglo-South African beer giant SABMiller (SAB.L: Quote, Profile, Research) is offering minority holders $19.48 per share as part of its takeover plan for Bavaria agreed with the Colo ...