Panasonic posts $2.6 bn quarterly loss, raises full-year loss forecast
Panasonic Corp posted a quarterly net loss of ¥197.6 billion and forecast a record ¥780 billion full-year net loss

Glencore and Xstrata in $80 bn merger talks
The world’s largest diversified commodities trader already owns a 34% stake in Xstrata and a tie-up between the two Swiss-based businesses -- potentially the biggest takeover to date in the industry -- has long been expected as Glencore aims to add more mines to its trading clout

Unilever sees tough year as markets slow
Unilever, which pushed up the prices of brands such as Dove, Hellmann’s, and Knorr to offset higher commodity costs, said growth in emerging markets had now slowed due to these price rises and weak consumer confidence