Biz/Tech
Twitter Hires Omid Kordestani as Executive Chairman, Latest Step in Company's Turnaround Efforts
Paypal Announces Expansion of Free Return Service, Hopes to Increase Percentage of Online Holiday Sales
Etihad Signs $700 Million Technology Service Agreement with IBM, Enhance Airline's Guest Experience, Develop Infrastructure, Security
Northrop Announces Organizational Changes, Appoints New COO
Northrop Grumman Corporation, a leading global security company, will be undergoing structural changes to better align the company’s businesses, according to a press release issued by Northrop Grumman. The company also announced that it will be appointing Gloria Flach as its new COO.
Latest News
Deutsche Bank Considering Sale of Abbey Life, Part of Restructuring Plan to Restore Profitability
Several people familiar with the matter said that Deutsche Bank is considering the possibility of selling its insurance unit Abbey Life, according to a report from Bloomberg. The possible sale is part of the company’s plan to restructure itself and restore the company back to profitability.
Glencore to Sell Two of its Copper Mines as Interest from Potential Buyers are High, Part of Plan to Cut Debt
Glencore Plc has announced in a press release that it is commencing the process of selling its Cobar copper mine in Australia and the Lomas Bayas copper mine in Chile. The sale is a response to the high number of unsolicited expressions of interests for these mines from potential buyers. Reuters adds that the sale is also part of Glencore’s plan to reduce the company’s debt burden that was accumulated during an asset purchase spree.
Dell to Acquire EMC for about $67 Billion, Will Create Largest Integrated Technology Company
Dell Inc. has announced in a press release that it will be acquiring EMC Corporation for approximately $67 billion. The combination of the two companies will create the world’s largest privately-controlled, integrated technology company.
Twitter Planning Company-Wide Layoffs, Comes at the Same Time the Company Plans to Restructure Engineering Organization
Multiple sources have told Re/code that Twitter, Inc. is planning to have company-wide layoffs next week, Jack Dorsey’s first move as the new CEO. It is unclear how many people will be cut, but sources say that it will affect all departments. Sources told Re/code that the downsizing comes at the same time the company is making its engineering organization leaner and more efficient.
Netflix Increases Most Popular Plan by $1, Cover the Cost of Licensing Shows and Funding Original Programs
The price of Netflix Inc.’s most popular streaming subscription plan has been raised by $1 to $9.99 a month, according to a report from Bloomberg. The price increase is for Netflix to cover the costs of licensing shows and funding its original programs, which is growing in numbers.
Blackstone to Acquire BioMed Realty for about $8 Billion, Believes in Long-Term Potential of Sector
The Blackstone Group will be acquiring BioMed Realty Trust, Inc. for $23.75 per share in an all-cash transaction that is valued at $8 billion, according to a press release issued by BioMed Realty. Blackstone believes in the long-term potential of the realty business sector that caters to tenants of life sciences industry.
Amazon Launches Handmade at Amazon, Provides Customers, Artisans Store for Handcrafted Items
Amazon.com announced in a press release that it has launched Handmade at Amazon, a new store that features genuinely handmade items that are crafted and sold directly by artisans. The new store provides customers with a store to buy genuinely handcrafted items and for artisans to feature them.
Diageo and Heineken Swap Assets, Brings Increased Focus to their Respective Beer Businesses
Diageo has sold its shares in Desnoes & Geddes Limited and in Guinness Anchor Berhad to Heineken while also acquiring Heineken’s shares in Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited, according to a press release issued by Diageo. The transaction brings increased focus to each company’s respective beer businesses in Jamaica, Malaysia, Singapore and Ghana.