Deals of the Hour

Trying to find out what's the deal with the world, tracking what's on sale and who's talking about it on Twitter. Update hourly.

Deals of the Hour / October 26, 2010, 11:40 pm

Northern Stock shares surge on buyout talk

Shares of Northern Trust Corp. surged Tuesday on media reports that the financial services company is the target of a possible buyout. Britain's Daily Mail newspaper reported late Monday that British bank HSBC may be lining up a $65-a-share cash offer to ... (Source: AP - msnbc.com 2010-10-26T20:11:39Z)

Gasol asked to step up for Lakers

LOS ANGELES -- The bar has been raised for Pau Gasol - by Los Angeles Lakers Coach Phil Jackson and assistant Brian Shaw. They want him to be more of a force for the Lakers when the regular season starts Tuesday night at Staples Center against the Houston ... (Source: Sacramento Bee 2010-10-24T04:00:30Z)

Prison official: Conn. killer tried to murder jail guard

N EW HAVEN, Conn. — A man convicted of killing a woman and her two daughters in a 2007 home invasion threatened to kill a correction officer in March, saying he had nothing to lose, a former prison official testified Monday. Frederick Levesque testified ... (Source: Boston Herald 2010-10-26T17:12:42Z)

No Sale For Savient

Savient Pharmaceuticals Inc. ( Nasdaq: SVNT ) failed to sell itself despite approval from the Food and Drug Administration last month for its gout treatment Krystexxa sending the stock price plummeting $9.04 to $12.66. (Source: paidContent.org 2010-10-25T19:29:53Z)

Northern Trust Jjumps on report of possible HSBC offer

Northern Trust Corp. rose the most in three months in U.S. trading after the U.K.'s Daily Mail newspaper said HSBC Holdings Plc may make an offer for the Chicago-based custody bank. The stock climbed 5.3 percent to $50.57 at 4 p.m. in Nasdaq Stock Market ... (Source: Arlington Heights Daily Herald 2010-10-27T02:38:12Z)

Officer: I didn't initially believe man's account of killing NYC student during horror film

NEW YORK - A police officer says he initially thought a man was just bragging by saying he'd killed a New York City college student while watching the horror movie "Saw." The man was a theft suspect at the time but was charged with murder after the officer ... (Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune 2010-10-26T19:43:01Z)

Movie Gallery Selling Off Two Brands as Part of Bankruptcy

Rental video chain Movie Gallery is selling off its store brands Hollywood Video, Movie Gallery and Game Crazy as part of its bankruptcy proceedings. On Monday, a federal bankruptcy judge in Richmond approved an auction for its brand names, Internet domain ... (Source: WHSV 2010-10-27T04:04:06Z)

Movie Gallery, Hollywood Video brands for sale as bankruptcy proceeds

RICHMOND, Va. - Rental video chain Movie Gallery is selling off its store brands Hollywood Video, Movie Gallery and Game Crazy as part of its bankruptcy proceedings . A federal bankruptcy judge in Richmond on Monday approved an auction for its brand names ... (Source: Big Hollywood 2010-10-26T16:58:23Z)

Officer: Account of NYC slaying while watching 'Saw' seemed 'far out'

NEW YORK — A New York City police officer says he initially thought a man was just bragging by saying he'd killed a college student from Massachusetts while watching the horror movie "Saw." The man was a theft suspect at the time but was charged with ... (Source: Grand Forks Herald 2010-10-27T01:48:06Z)

UN says 30 women raped at Congo-Angola border

An international aid agency says at least 30 women were kept as prisoners in a dungeon-like structure and gang-raped over multiple weeks at the Angola border before being left in the bush without their clothes. The United Nations Office for the ... (Source: AP - msnbc.com 2010-10-26T16:51:13Z)

GlaxoSmithKline settles tainted drugs suit for $750 mn

WASHINGTON: British pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) will pay $750 million to settle a US government lawsuit related to the manufacture and sale of adulterated drugs, the US Justice Department said on Tuesday. GSK was accused of manufacturing and ... (Source: Economic Times 2010-10-27T06:12:57Z)

MGM Resorts to offer $500 million in notes

MGM Resorts International said Monday it priced $500 million in notes due 2016 at 98.9 percent. The Las Vegas-based company said it would offer the notes in a private placement. The sale would raise $494.5 million for MGM Resorts. The company says it plans ... (Source: AP - msnbc.com 2010-10-26T00:52:01Z)

Lakers forward Pau Gasol gradually phasing back into form

Lakers Coach Phil Jackson has prodded Pau Gasol all preseason, saying just last week that he's "been on vacation" ever since the Lakers began training camp nearly a month ago. He's repeatedly pushed Gasol into preparing for what may become an inevitable ... (Source: Los Angeles Times Blogs 2010-10-18T16:24:55Z)

MGM Resorts plans to offer $500 million in senior notes due 2016 in a private placement

LAS VEGAS (AP) — MGM Resorts International said Monday it priced $500 million in notes due 2016 at 98.9 percent. The Las Vegas-based company said it would offer the notes in a private placement. The sale would raise $494.5 million for MGM Resorts. The ... (Source: Chicago Tribune 2010-10-26T00:52:01Z)

MGM Resorts plans to offer $500 million in senior notes due in 2016 in a private placement

LAS VEGAS (AP) — MGM Resorts International says it will offer $500 million in notes due in 2016 and priced slightly below their face value. The Las Vegas-based company said it would offer the notes in a private placement at a price of 98.9 percent. The ... (Source: WHO-TV 2010-10-26T00:59:10Z)

GlaxoSmithKline settles defective-drug lawsuit for $750 million

GlaxoSmithKline agreed to pay $750 million to settle a U.S. government false-claims lawsuit over the sale of defective drugs. Glaxo and the U.S. Justice Department announced the accord Tuesday, resolving a lawsuit first filed in 2004 by Cheryl D. Eckard, a ... (Source: Washington Post 2010-10-27T00:43:40Z)

Deportees 'gang-raped by Angolan officials in dungeon'

At LEAST 30 women were kept as prisoners in a dungeon-like structure and gang-raped over several weeks at the Congo and Angola border before being left naked in scrubland. The United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that ... (Source: Scotsman 2010-10-26T22:56:18Z)

Officer: Account of NYC slaying seemed 'far out'

The suspect in a small-scale theft had something he wanted police to know, they say: He happened to be the mystery attacker who'd killed a college student, and he'd done it while watching the horror movie "Saw." But Jeromie Cancel's story sounded so far ... (Source: AP - msnbc.com 2010-10-27T01:40:56Z)

N.H. teen's murder trial begins

NASHUA — Sitting motionless in a dark-blue blazer, his fingertips lightly pressed together, 18-year-old Steven Spader stared unblinking at a prosecutor who alleged yesterday that he murdered a 42-year-old nurse and left her daughter for dead in their ... (Source: Boston Globe 2010-10-27T06:05:48Z)

N.H. town braces to relive horror

MONT VERNON, N.H. — Along with the blazing fall foliage and Halloween decorations, symbols of a more somber sort dot this small town. Remembrance ribbons are available at the century-old library, and a memorial cross adorned with fresh flowers sits near ... (Source: Boston Globe 2010-10-25T14:57:53Z)

Breaking down the Lakers' roster

2010 preseason stats: appeared in all eight games, averaging 10.8 points on 43.8% shooting in 26.9 minutes per contest, and went 10 of 24 from three-point range (41.7%) Outlook : Artest entered training camp weighing 250 pounds, and the decrease in weight ... (Source: Los Angeles Times Blogs 2010-10-25T14:57:53Z)

Glaxo Agrees to Pay $750 Million to Settle Defective Drug Suit

Oct. 27 (Bloomberg) -- GlaxoSmithKline Plc, the U.K.'s largest drugmaker, will pay $750 million to settle a U.S. whistleblower lawsuit over the sale of defective drugs. Glaxo and the U.S. Justice Department announced the agreement yesterday, resolving a ... (Source: BusinessWeek 2010-10-27T03:56:57Z)

Northern Trust Jumps on Report of Possible HSBC Offer

(Updates shares in first, second paragraphs.) Oct. 26 (Bloomberg) -- Northern Trust Corp. rose the most in three months in U.S. trading after the U.K.'s Daily Mail newspaper said HSBC Holdings Plc may make an offer for the Chicago-based custody bank. The ... (Source: BusinessWeek 2010-10-26T15:11:00Z)

Defense for Conn. horror slayer use partner's jail journals in attempt to mititgate Hayes' responsibility

NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- The other guy is worse, home invasion monster Steven Hayes is arguing on day two of proceedings to determine if he is put to death. Hoping their client will look good by comparison -- and thereby dodge the needle -- lawyers for the ... (Source: New York Post 2010-10-19T18:18:16Z)

Congo rape dungeon horror

At least 30 women were kept as prisoners in a dungeon-like structure and gang-raped over multiple weeks at the Congo and Angola border before being left in the bush without their clothes, an international aid agency says. The United Nations Office for the ... (Source: Stuff 2010-10-26T21:08:55Z)

Opening statements made in NH murder trial

MONT VERNON, N.H. -- Opening statements were made on Tuesday in the case against Steven Spader, who is accused in the vicious death of a Mont Vernon, New Hampshire woman last year. The prosecution called the 18-year-old Spader merciless and cruel; a ... (Source: msnbc.com 2010-10-27T02:16:44Z)

Savient to evaluate strategic alternatives for KRYSTEXXA drug

Savient Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: SVNT) today announced that its previously announced process to identify, following the approval of KRYSTEXXA™ by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a strategic transaction for the sale of the Company did ... (Source: News-Medical.Net 2010-10-26T07:11:24Z)

UPDATE: Savient Plunges As No Sale Occurs; Working On Drug Launch

NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--Savient Pharmaceuticals Inc. (SVNT) shares lost nearly half their value Monday after the drug company said it hasn't yet had success in its attempt to sell itself. A big takeover premium had been built into the stock after its gout ... (Source: Wall Street Journal 2010-10-25T17:06:44Z)

Witness: Jail violence unlikely from Conn. convict

Even though he threatened to kill a correction officer seven months ago, a Connecticut man convicted in a deadly home invasion is unlikely to commit serious violence if he spends his life in prison, a defense expert testified Tuesday. A New Haven jury ... (Source: AP - msnbc.com 2010-10-26T21:51:52Z)

Movie Gallery, Hollywood Video, Game Crazy brands up for sale as bankruptcy proceeds

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Rental video chain Movie Gallery is selling off its store brands Hollywood Video, Movie Gallery and Game Crazy as part of its bankruptcy proceedings. A federal bankruptcy judge in Richmond on Monday approved an auction for its brand ... (Source: Chicago Tribune 2010-10-26T15:11:00Z)

Deals of the Hour / October 26, 2010, 10:40 pm

The eagle has landed again: Rocco Mediate wins Frys.com Open by a stroke

SAN MARTIN, Calif. - The familiar chants of "Rocco! Rocco!" never sounded better or louder as he approached the 18th hole. Rocco Mediate holed out for eagle for the fourth straight day, hitting a pitching wedge approach from 116 yards that spun back into ... (Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune 2010-10-18T07:35:12Z)

Airgas says it's worth more than $5.86 billion

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Industrial gas supplier Airgas Inc ( ARG.N ) said it is willing to negotiate a buyout by rival Air Products and Chemicals Inc ( APD.N ) at a price greater than $70 per share, or $5.86 billion, more than 7 percent higher than the offer ... (Source: Reuters UK 2010-10-26T22:13:21Z)

Icahn Bids for MGM Studio Debt to Stop Spyglass Offer

(Updates with details of offer in second paragraph.) Oct. 26 (Bloomberg) -- Billionaire Carl Icahn offered to buy Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.'s senior secured loans for 53 cents on the dollar, giving the studio's creditors added enticement to accept a ... (Source: BusinessWeek 2010-10-26T18:45:45Z)

WikiLeaks documents offer vivid insights into Iraq war

A huge trove of secret field reports from the battlegrounds of Iraq sheds new light on the war, including such fraught subjects as civilian deaths, detainee abuse and the involvement of Iran. The secret archive is the second cache obtained by the ... (Source: Detroit News 2010-10-23T04:58:57Z)

Icahn Launches Additional Offer For MGM Debt

Activist investor Carl Icahn launched another offer to buy debt from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. holders as he moves to further build his stake, potentially allowing him to block a deal between the company and Spyglass Entertainment. Icahn, who holds a one ... (Source: Wall Street Journal 2010-10-26T17:55:39Z)

Sporting News Power Poll after Martinsville

Denny Hamlin replaced Jimmie Johnson atop this week's Sporting News Power Poll after his victory in Sunday's race at Martinsville. Johnson, who finished fifth, dropped to second. Kevin Harvick is third after posting his first top-five finish in 19 ... (Source: Sporting News 2010-10-26T21:51:52Z)

Win gives Denny Hamlin Martinsville sweep

Martinsville, Va. — Denny Hamlin passed Kevin Harvick for the lead with 29 laps to go Sunday and won his third consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Martinsville Speedway. "I don't think I've ever closed that well, ever," Hamlin said in Victory Lane. He ... (Source: Detroit News 2010-10-25T05:03:44Z)

Rocco Mediate eagles par-5 15th, tops Frys.com Open leaderboard at 17 under

SAN MARTIN, Calif. - Rocco Mediate holed out with a pitching wedge from 111 yards on the par-5 15th hole for his third eagle of the week and finished with a 4-under 67 to maintain a three-stroke lead Saturday in the Frys.com Open. The 47-year-old Mediate ... (Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune 2010-10-17T04:58:55Z)

Two outlooks, but only one state job

TALLAHASSEE -- Adam Putnam and Scott Maddox both want to be Florida's next commissioner of agriculture, but their campaign rhetoric makes it sound like they're running for two separate jobs. A Democratic lawyer from Tallahassee, Maddox says at least 75 ... (Source: Miami Herald 2010-10-26T11:21:57Z)

Putnam gets campaign cash from backers of fairgrounds project

A new state agriculture commissioner will be elected soon, and supporters of a hotel and shopping complex for the Florida State Fairgrounds hope he'll speed a decision on the proposal. Many of them are also signaling who they feel is the right man for the ... (Source: msnbc.com 2010-10-26T17:41:20Z)

Charlie Sheen hospitalized, Quaids act curiously

Sheen hospitalized Charlie Sheen was hospitalized in New York on Tuesday for a psychiatric evaluation. Why Tuesday?, we wonder. Seems to us that Charlie Sheen was just being Charlie Sheen, but judge for yourself. Plaza Hotel security hailed police in the ... (Source: msnbc.com 2010-10-27T03:14:00Z)

Founder of WikiLeaks, Julian Assange to Larry King: You Should Be Ashamed

WikiLeaks founder, Julian Assange, had a heated exchange with Larry King on Monday. Assange went on Larry King Live to discuss WikiLeaks' massive release of classified documents from the Iraq War. King brought up Assange's recent walking out of a CNN ... (Source: Associated Content 2010-10-27T00:22:12Z)

CORRECTED - UPDATE 3-Airgas says it's worth more than $70/share

NEW YORK, Oct 26 (Reuters) - Airgas Inc ( ARG.N ) signaled it is willing to negotiate a buyout by rival Air Products and Chemicals Inc ( APD.N ) for more than $70 per share, more than 7 percent higher than the offer on the table. The news came as Airgas ... (Source: Reuters India 2010-10-26T21:51:52Z)

Rocco Mediate keeps lead at Frys.com Open

S AN MARTIN, Calif. — Rocco Mediate holed out with a pitching wedge from 111 yards on the par-5 15th hole for his third eagle of the week and finished with a 4-under 67 to maintain a three-stroke lead Saturday in the Frys.com Open. The 47-year-old ... (Source: Boston Herald 2010-10-18T06:52:15Z)

Maddox and Putnam offer distinct approaches to Agriculture Commissioner job

TALLAHASSEE — Adam Putnam and Scott Maddox both want to be Florida's next commissioner of agriculture, but their campaign rhetoric makes it sound like they're running for two separate jobs. A Democratic lawyer from Tallahassee, Maddox says at least 75 ... (Source: St. Petersburg Times 2010-10-23T01:17:03Z)

The leaking of 400,000 documents on the Iraq war has opened the door to new criticism of US

A news ticker headline about the release of 400,000 secret US documents about the war in Iraq on the WikiLeaks website is seen in New York's Times Square on October 22. WikiLeaks, run by Australian-born computer hacker Julian Assange, said the documents ... (Source: Big Hollywood 2010-10-27T05:22:51Z)

Denny Hamlin rules Martinsville again, trims deficit to Jimmie Johnson to six points

MARTINSVILLE, Va. — Denny Hamlin figured if he was going to make a run at Jimmie Johnson's points lead, there was no better place to start than Martinsville Speedway. Hamlin passed Kevin Harvick for the Tums 500 lead with 29 laps to go Sunday and earned ... (Source: St. Petersburg Times 2010-10-25T04:49:25Z)

Glaxo cops to bad medicine

GlaxoSmithKline PLC will pay $750 million to settle claims that a former subsidiary manufactured and sold adulterated drugs, including a version of the popular antidepressant Paxil, the U.S. Justice Department announced yesterday. The London drug giant ... (Source: TradingMarkets.com 2010-10-27T05:01:22Z)

Painless Billing Just Got Easier: FreshBooks Enters PayPal Apps

PRLog (Press Release) – Oct 26, 2010 – Innovate 2010, San Francisco – FreshBooks (www.freshbooks.com) , the leader in online invoicing, announced today that its billing management and invoicing services will be available in the PayPal Apps beta. The ... (Source: PRLog (free press release) 2010-10-26T23:39:15Z)

Icahn makes 2nd offer to buy debt from MGM lenders

Billionaire investor Carl Icahn on Tuesday made a second offer to buy debt from the lenders of financially struggling film studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, in an attempt to stave off a combination with Spyglass Entertainment. Icahn is offering to buy up to $1.6 ... (Source: AP - msnbc.com 2010-10-26T19:14:23Z)

Zoho Facilitates Lower Invoicing Costs at PayPal X Innovate 2010

INNOVATE 2010 — Helping people work online, Zoho : today announced that its online invoicing application, Zoho Invoice : , now supports PayPal Business Payments on the PayPal X platform, the world's first truly open global payments platform. The move ... (Source: PR Inside 2010-10-26T19:14:23Z)

Norman argues he was wrongly removed from ballot

Lawyers for Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman tried to convince three appeals court judges Tuesday that Norman was wrongly removed from the ballot in a state Senate race. Attorney Barry Richard argued that state Rep. Kevin Ambler should not have ... (Source: msnbc.com 2010-10-26T23:10:37Z)

Airgas Still Against Air Products Offer Despite New Directors

NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--Airgas Inc. (ARG), in repeating its case against a hostile bid from Air Products & Chemicals Inc. (APD), emphasized the solidarity of its board, which includes three new directors whom Air Products got elected last month. The new ... (Source: Wall Street Journal 2010-10-26T18:09:58Z)

Jim Norman thrown off the ballot by Tallahassee judge

Jim Norman has been disqualified from the November 2 ballot in the state Senate district 12 race. With a decision coming in shortly before 5 p.m. Friday afternoon, a Leon County Circuit Court Judge, Jackie Fulford wrote in her ruling that this Court finds ... (Source: creative loafing 2010-10-16T01:46:49Z)

Attorneys for Norman, Ambler to argue today over who should be on ballot

A three-judge appeals court panel will hear arguments today on behalf of Jim Norman and Kevin Ambler as the two politicians continue their legal battle over a state Senate seat. Lawyers for Ambler and Norman will get 15 minutes each to state their case and ... (Source: msnbc.com 2010-10-26T10:10:22Z)

Zuora to Offer Subscription Billing for Launch of PayPal Apps

Zuora, the leader in subscription billing, today announced its app is being included in the launch of the PayPal Apps beta at Innovate 2010. PayPal Apps provides third-party developers with a great new way to provide services to PayPal customers by ... (Source: Yahoo Finance 2010-10-26T19:07:14Z)

Actor Charlie Sheen released from hospital

NEW YORK (AP) — Charlie Sheen was briefly hospitalized Tuesday after security at the Plaza Hotel called police to report he was disorderly and had broken furniture in his room, police said. His publicist blamed an allergic reaction to medication, and ... (Source: Chicago Tribune 2010-10-27T03:14:00Z)

Glaxo Agrees to Pay $750 Million to Settle Defective Drug Suit

Oct. 27 (Bloomberg) -- GlaxoSmithKline Plc, the U.K.'s largest drugmaker, will pay $750 million to settle a U.S. whistleblower lawsuit over the sale of defective drugs. Glaxo and the U.S. Justice Department announced the agreement yesterday, resolving a ... (Source: BusinessWeek 2010-10-27T03:56:57Z)

People: Charlie Sheen, Stan Rosenfield, Kara DioGuardi, Katy Perry, T.I.

Charlie Sheen's naughty night in the Big Apple has everyone talking. The actor, who was in town with ex-wife Denise Richards and daughters Sam and Lola, reportedly trashed his Plaza Hotel suite overnight after realizing his wallet was missing, causing ... (Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2010-10-27T04:39:54Z)

GlaxoSmithKline settles defective-drug lawsuit for $750 million

GlaxoSmithKline agreed to pay $750 million to settle a U.S. government false-claims lawsuit over the sale of defective drugs. Glaxo and the U.S. Justice Department announced the accord Tuesday, resolving a lawsuit first filed in 2004 by Cheryl D. Eckard, a ... (Source: Washington Post 2010-10-27T00:43:40Z)

Deals of the Hour / October 26, 2010, 9:41 pm

UPDATE 2-Cemex posts 3rd-qtr loss; U.S. sales weak

MONTERREY, Mexico, Oct 26 (Reuters) - Mexico's Cemex ( CX.N ) ( CMXCPO.MX ), the world's No. 3 cement maker, reported a third-quarter loss from continuing operations of $86 million, hit by lower sales and debt servicing costs. Weak revenue in its key U.S ... (Source: Reuters 2010-10-26T13:02:10Z)

Australia-SGX Deal Faces Mounting Opposition

CANBERRA, Australia—A political backlash threatens to derail the proposed $8.3 billion takeover of Australia's largest stock-market operator by Singapore Exchange Ltd., Key lawmakers signaled they may block the deal because it gives a foreign investor ... (Source: Wall Street Journal 2010-10-26T14:13:44Z)

Tsunami toll rising in Indonesia

JAKARTA, Indonesia -- Indonesian authorities scrambled to deal with two deadly events Tuesday after a tsunami and volcanic eruptions struck in separate regions of the vast archipelago. Rescue workers and fishermen searched for survivors in waters west of ... (Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2010-10-27T04:25:35Z)

Constellation, EDF reach deal on nuclear ventures

Constellation Energy Group and its French nuclear partner, EDF Group, reached an agreement late Tuesday to give EDF full ownership of the proposed third nuclear reactor at Calvert Cliffs, reviving hopes for the project's future. Under the agreement, EDF ... (Source: Baltimore Sun 2010-10-27T03:49:47Z)

Citigroup executive testifies in NYC he can't recall many details about his work on EMI deal

NEW YORK (AP) — A Citigroup banker accused of tricking a British private equity firm into paying too much for music company EMI had a forgetful day on the witness stand in New York City as he tried to recall his role in the acquisition. Citigroup ... (Source: Chicago Tribune 2010-10-27T00:22:12Z)

Val Kilmer slashes sale price for ranch by $10M

SANTA FE, N.M. -- Actor Val Kilmer has dropped the asking price of his Pecos River Ranch by $10 million. The 5,328-acre ranch includes a 10-bedroom, 10-bathroom, 11,573-square-foot house. Located about 22 miles southeast of Santa Fe, it went on the market ... (Source: AZCentral.com 2010-10-26T16:44:04Z)

Actor Charlie Sheen released from hospital

NEW YORK (AP) — Charlie Sheen was briefly hospitalized Tuesday after security at the Plaza Hotel called police to report he was disorderly and had broken furniture in his room, police said. His publicist blamed an allergic reaction to medication, and ... (Source: Chicago Tribune 2010-10-27T03:14:00Z)

More than 100 dead as Indonesia is hit by tsunami and volcanic eruptions

JAKARTA, Indonesia | Indonesian authorities scrambled to deal with two deadly events Tuesday — a tsunami and volcanic eruptions that struck in separate parts of the vast archipelago. Rescue workers and fishermen searched for survivors in waters west of ... (Source: Kansas City Star 2010-10-27T04:18:25Z)

Actor Val Kilmer Slashes Sales Price For Ranch

SANTA FE, N.M. -- Actor Val Kilmer has dropped the asking price of his Pecos River Ranch by $10 million. The 5,328-acre ranch includes a 10-bedroom, 10-bathroom, 11,573-square-foot house. Located about 22 miles southeast of Santa Fe, it went on the market ... (Source: KOAT 7 2010-10-26T18:31:26Z)

Most Asian Stocks Rise on Profits; Japan's Exporters Gain on Yen

Oct. 27 (Bloomberg) -- Most Asian stocks advanced after National Australia Bank Ltd. returned to profit and as the yen weakened from a 15-year high against the dollar, easing concern that Japanese export earnings will fall. National Australia Bank climbed ... (Source: San Francisco Gate 2010-10-27T04:18:25Z)

Yahoo disappoints on revenue forecast

By Alexei Oreskovic SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Yahoo Inc's uninspiring quarterly sales forecast disappointed Wall Street and underscored how the one-time Internet leader is struggling to keep up with Google Inc and Facebook. Investors have pressured Yahoo ... (Source: msnbc.com 2010-10-19T23:11:45Z)

UPDATE 5-Cemex posts loss but debt deal propels stock

Cemex, which competes with Switzerland's Holcim ( HOLN.VX ) and France's Lafarge ( LAFP.PA ), said it renegotiated its financing agreement with bankers to give the company more time to pay back the $15 billion it took on to buy Rinker. That sent its stock ... (Source: Reuters India 2010-10-26T18:09:58Z)

GlaxoSmithKline to pay $750m fine in fraud case

Federal prosecutors in Boston yesterday said British drug giant GlaxoSmithKline PLC agreed to pay $750 million to settle civil and criminal charges that it made and sold adulterated drugs, including the antidepressant Paxil, to Medicaid and other ... (Source: Boston Globe 2010-10-27T04:18:25Z)

Glaxo Agrees to Pay $750 Million to Settle Defective Drug Suit

Oct. 27 (Bloomberg) -- GlaxoSmithKline Plc, the U.K.'s largest drugmaker, will pay $750 million to settle a U.S. whistleblower lawsuit over the sale of defective drugs. Glaxo and the U.S. Justice Department announced the agreement yesterday, resolving a ... (Source: BusinessWeek 2010-10-27T03:56:57Z)

Charlie Sheen's latest legal brouhaha: No big deal?

Charlie Sheen can't seem to leave trouble behind. Just days before the three-month probation from his Aspen, Colo., domestic violence case ends next week, the star of the CBS comedy Two and a Half Men was taken to a New York hospital early Tuesday under ... (Source: USA Today 2010-10-27T01:12:18Z)

Constellation reaches deal for EDF to take over nuclear venture

Constellation Energy Group Inc. said late Tuesday it reached a deal with French utility EDF to give up its 50 percent stake in a joint venture to build new nuclear reactors for $140 million. Once the deal is complete, EDF will be the sole owner of the ... (Source: Birmingham Business Journal 2010-10-27T02:52:31Z)

Hands on the Stand: Replaying the EMI Deal

When Guy Hands acquired music company EMI Group more than three years ago, the New York City venue he likely envisioned himself in was Madison Square Garden, taking in a Coldplay concert in the front row or perhaps a Lady Antebellum show from a sky box ... (Source: New York Times Blogs 2010-10-20T17:48:27Z)

Charlie Sheen hospitalized, Quaids act curiously

Sheen hospitalized Charlie Sheen was hospitalized in New York on Tuesday for a psychiatric evaluation. Why Tuesday?, we wonder. Seems to us that Charlie Sheen was just being Charlie Sheen, but judge for yourself. Plaza Hotel security hailed police in the ... (Source: msnbc.com 2010-10-27T03:14:00Z)

Actor Val Kilmer slashes sale price for New Mexico ranch by $10 million

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Actor Val Kilmer has dropped the asking price of his Pecos River Ranch by $10 million. The 5,328-acre ranch includes a 10-bedroom, 10-bathroom, 11,573-square-foot house. Located about 22 miles southeast of Santa Fe, it went on the ... (Source: Chicago Tribune 2010-10-26T15:39:38Z)

Cemex posts loss but debt deal propels stock

MONTERREY, Mexico, Oct 26 (Reuters) - Mexico's Cemex, the world's No. 3 cement maker, lost money in the third quarter because of lower sales and debt servicing costs, but a new financing agreement propelled its stock by nearly 6 percent. The company on ... (Source: The Guardian 2010-10-26T18:09:58Z)

EDF To Buy Constellation's 50% Ownership In UniStar For $140 Mln - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - EDF S.A. and Constellation Energy Group Inc. (CEG: News ) announced that they have reached comprehensive agreement regarding full ownership of UniStar Nuclear Energy. Under deal terms, EDF will acquire Constellation's 50% ownership in UniStar ... (Source: RTT News 2010-10-27T02:45:22Z)

GlaxoSmithKline settles defective-drug lawsuit for $750 million

GlaxoSmithKline agreed to pay $750 million to settle a U.S. government false-claims lawsuit over the sale of defective drugs. Glaxo and the U.S. Justice Department announced the accord Tuesday, resolving a lawsuit first filed in 2004 by Cheryl D. Eckard, a ... (Source: Washington Post 2010-10-27T00:43:40Z)

2nd UPDATE: Cablevision CEO: Willing To Talk With News Corp At FCC

SAN FRANCISCO -(Dow Jones)- Cablevision Systems Corp. (CVC) President and Chief Executive James Dolan said he would welcome government help in resolving programming negotiations between his company and News Corp. (NWS, NWSA). However, the Federal ... (Source: Smart Money 2010-10-27T03:28:19Z)

Citigroup exec testifies in NYC that he can't recall many details about his work on EMI deal

NEW YORK (AP) — A Citigroup banker accused of tricking a British private equity firm into paying too much for music company EMI had a forgetful day on the witness stand Tuesday as he tried to recall his role in the acquisition. "I'm afraid I don't recall ... (Source: FOX43.com 2010-10-27T00:50:50Z)

FCC wants proof Fox and Cablevision are trying to make a deal

A senior Federal Communications Commission official wants to know whether Fox and Cablevision are negotiating in good faith or are spending all their time running attack ads against each other. In a letter to Chase Carey, chief operating officer of News ... (Source: Los Angeles Times 2010-10-24T03:10:24Z)

Feds prod Cablevision, Fox

With the World Series just days away, federal regulators are ratcheting up the pressure on Cablevision and Fox to end a weeklong blackout that has deprived 3 million Cablevision customers of Major League Baseball games and Fox shows like "Glee." Yesterday ... (Source: New York Post 2010-10-23T03:04:25Z)

Indonesia rushes to find survivors after tsunami, volcano eruptions

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indonesian authorities scrambled to deal with two deadly events Tuesday after a tsunami and volcanic eruptions struck in separate regions of the vast archipelago. Rescue workers and fishermen searched for survivors in waters west of ... (Source: Seattle Times 2010-10-27T04:18:25Z)

Yahoo's 3Q earnings more than double on HotJobs sale, revenue rises by less than 2 percent

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Yahoo Inc. shuffled through another quarter of sluggish growth, a performance that may further test the patience of the Internet company's already restless shareholders. The third-quarter results announced Tuesday also seem likely to ... (Source: Chicago Tribune 2010-10-19T23:18:55Z)

Online travel coalition fights Google's ITA deal

SAN FRANCISCO — Several leading Internet travel agencies and search engines are trying to convince U.S. government regulators to block Google Inc. from buying a technology supplier that plays an instrumental role in finding the best airline fares. The ... (Source: WRAL 2010-10-27T03:14:00Z)

Singapore-Australia bourse tie up threatens Tokyo

TOKYO (AFP) – Japan's top exchange will seek its own alliances if a planned multi-billion dollar merger of the Singapore and Sydney stock exchanges goes ahead, the bourse's head said in a report Wednesday. Atsushi Saito, chief executive of the Tokyo ... (Source: YAHOO! 2010-10-27T03:49:47Z)

Deals of the Hour / October 26, 2010, 8:40 pm

Treasuries Snap Five-Day Decline as Dudley Says Momentum Slowed

Oct. 27 (Bloomberg) -- Treasuries snapped a five-day decline after Federal Reserve Bank of New York President William Dudley said momentum in the U.S. economy has slowed. The U.S. is scheduled to sell $35 billion of five-year notes today, the third of four ... (Source: San Francisco Gate 2010-10-27T02:23:53Z)

Apollo and CVC to Buy Brit for $1.4 Billion

Brit Insurance Holdings , an insurer based in Amsterdam, said Tuesday that its board would recommend a cash takeover offer worth up to £888 million made by the private equity firms Apollo Global Management and CVC Capital Partners . The $1.4 billion bid ... (Source: New York Times Blogs 2010-10-26T13:16:29Z)

Movie Gallery, Hollywood Video brands for sale as bankruptcy proceeds

RICHMOND, Va. - Rental video chain Movie Gallery is selling off its store brands Hollywood Video, Movie Gallery and Game Crazy as part of its bankruptcy proceedings . A federal bankruptcy judge in Richmond on Monday approved an auction for its brand names ... (Source: Big Hollywood 2010-10-26T16:58:23Z)

Glaxo Said to Settle U.S. Drug Suit for $750 Million

(Updates with drugs in second paragraph.) Oct. 26 (Bloomberg) -- GlaxoSmithKline Plc settled a U.S. government false claims suit over the sale of defective drugs for $750 million, according to a person familiar with the matter. The London-based ... (Source: BusinessWeek 2010-10-26T19:00:04Z)

Attorneys for Norman, Ambler to argue today over who should be on ballot

A three-judge appeals court panel will hear arguments today on behalf of Jim Norman and Kevin Ambler as the two politicians continue their legal battle over a state Senate seat. Lawyers for Ambler and Norman will get 15 minutes each to state their case and ... (Source: msnbc.com 2010-10-26T10:10:22Z)

GOP interviews Norman, Ambler for disputed state Senate seat

TAMPA - Republican officials today interviewed disqualified candidate Jim Norman and his defeated primary foe, state Rep. Kevin Ambler, as the party seeks a nominee for a disputed state Senate seat. Ambler arrived at a conference center near the University ... (Source: Tampa Bay Online 2010-10-23T20:00:54Z)

Week 7: Eagles vs. Titans

The Eagles enter Week 7 at 4-2 and a top the NFC East. They travel to Tennessee to take on Chris Johnson and the Titans. Kevin Kolb is making his third start this year under center. Michael Vick will be dressed out and ready to go if Kolb struggles. 4th ... (Source: msnbc.com 2010-10-26T11:43:25Z)

Denny Hamlin rules Martinsville again, trims deficit to Jimmie Johnson to six points

MARTINSVILLE, Va. — Denny Hamlin figured if he was going to make a run at Jimmie Johnson's points lead, there was no better place to start than Martinsville Speedway. Hamlin passed Kevin Harvick for the Tums 500 lead with 29 laps to go Sunday and earned ... (Source: St. Petersburg Times 2010-10-25T04:49:25Z)

Possible Democratic Bright Spot in MD Governor Race

Gov. Martin O'Malley is extending his lead in a nasty rematch of his 2006 race against Republican former Gov. Robert Ehrlich. Gov. Martin O'Malley is extending his lead in a nasty rematch of his 2006 race against Republican former Gov. Robert Ehrlich. It ... (Source: WHSV 2010-10-26T15:32:29Z)

Indonesia hit by deadly tsunami, volcanic eruption

A volcanic eruption and a tsunami killed scores of people hundreds of miles apart in Indonesia — spasms from the Pacific "Ring of Fire," which spawns disasters from deep within the Earth. Tuesday's eruption of Mount Merapi killed at least 18 people ... (Source: AP - msnbc.com 2010-10-27T00:29:21Z)

Denny Hamlin wins third straight at Martinsville

MARTINSVILLE, Va. - Denny Hamlin passed Kevin Harvick for the lead with 29 laps to go Sunday and won his third consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Martinsville Speedway. "I don't think I've ever closed that well, ever," Hamlin said in Victory Lane. He ... (Source: AZCentral.com 2010-10-25T06:58:16Z)

Indonesia hit by twin disasters — nearly 140 killed in tsunami and volcanic eruption

MOUNT MERAPI, Indonesia - A volcanic eruption and a tsunami killed scores of people hundreds of miles (kilometers) apart in Indonesia — spasms from the Pacific "Ring of Fire," which spawns disasters from deep within the Earth. The eruption of Mount ... (Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune 2010-10-27T03:21:09Z)

Martin O'Malley and Robert Ehrlich stay mum on massive pension bill

MARYLAND GOV. Martin O'Malley (D) and his Republican rival, former governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., have staged their first debate ; several more are scheduled. They've each poured thousands of words into television ads, campaign appearances, speeches ... (Source: Washington Post 2010-10-13T03:23:26Z)

Treasury Draws Negative Yield for First Time During TIPS Sale

Oct. 25 (Bloomberg) -- The Treasury sold $10 billion of five-year Treasury Inflation Protected Securities at a negative yield for the first time in the history of U.S. debt. The securities drew a yield of negative 0.55 percent, the same as the average ... (Source: BusinessWeek 2010-10-25T17:21:03Z)

GlaxoSmithKline settles defective-drug lawsuit for $750 million

GlaxoSmithKline agreed to pay $750 million to settle a U.S. government false-claims lawsuit over the sale of defective drugs. Glaxo and the U.S. Justice Department announced the accord Tuesday, resolving a lawsuit first filed in 2004 by Cheryl D. Eckard, a ... (Source: Washington Post 2010-10-27T00:43:40Z)

Movie Gallery to Auction Intangible Assets

Movie Gallery Inc. and its affiliated chapter 11 debtors-in-possession, have filed a Motion with the Bankruptcy Court for approval to conduct an auction sale of their remaining intellectual property assets. According to a release, assets being sold include ... (Source: TradingMarkets.com 2010-10-19T04:56:32Z)

Movie Gallery, Hollywood Video, Game Crazy brands up for sale as bankruptcy proceeds

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Rental video chain Movie Gallery is selling off its store brands Hollywood Video, Movie Gallery and Game Crazy as part of its bankruptcy proceedings. A federal bankruptcy judge in Richmond on Monday approved an auction for its brand ... (Source: Chicago Tribune 2010-10-26T15:11:00Z)

Norman argues he was wrongly removed from ballot

Lawyers for Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman tried to convince three appeals court judges Tuesday that Norman was wrongly removed from the ballot in a state Senate race. Attorney Barry Richard argued that state Rep. Kevin Ambler should not have ... (Source: msnbc.com 2010-10-26T23:10:37Z)

Savient Says Auction Process Did Not Result in a Sale of the Drug Company

Savient Pharmaceuticals Inc. said its previously announced process to identify, following the approval of Krystexxa by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a strategic transaction for the sale of the company did not result in a sale of the company at ... (Source: Bloomberg 2010-10-25T15:47:59Z)

Savient Pharma's Planned Sale Not Materialized At This Time - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - Biopharmaceutical company Savient Pharmaceuticals Inc. (SVNT: News ) Monday said its efforts to identify a strategic deal for the sale of the company did not materialize. The board of directors said it will continue to evaluate strategic ... (Source: RTT News 2010-10-25T16:09:28Z)

Watch Eagles vs Titans Online Streaming

The Philadelphia Eagles' Kevin Kolb is doing his best to settle any looming quarterback controversy before Michael Vick returns from injury. The Tennessee Titans, meanwhile, are hoping to have at least one healthy passer for this week's game. In a matchup ... (Source: Gather.com 2010-10-24T14:01:48Z)

Eagles-Titans Preview

The Philadelphia Eagles ' Kevin Kolb is doing his best to settle any looming quarterback controversy before Michael Vick returns from injury. The Tennessee Titans , meanwhile, are hoping to have at least one healthy passer for this week's game. In a ... (Source: FOXSports.com 2010-10-21T05:37:07Z)

UPDATE: Savient Plunges As No Sale Occurs; Working On Drug Launch

NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--Savient Pharmaceuticals Inc. (SVNT) shares lost nearly half their value Monday after the drug company said it hasn't yet had success in its attempt to sell itself. A big takeover premium had been built into the stock after its gout ... (Source: Wall Street Journal 2010-10-25T17:06:44Z)

Md. governor seeks to hold off past governor in race that could be bright spot for Democrats

ROCKVILLE, MD. — Gov. Martin O'Malley is expanding his lead in a nasty rematch of his 2006 race against Republican former Gov. Robert Ehrlich, providing a rare bright spot for Democrats bracing for big losses in both congressional and governors' races ... (Source: Washington Examiner 2010-10-26T14:35:13Z)

Jimmie Johnson holds edge in tightest Sprint Cup Chase ever

Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick turned the Chase for the Sprint Cup into a three-way battle with top-three finishes Sunday at Martinsville Speedway. History still says Jimmie Johnson — even with a six-point lead that's the smallest with four races left in ... (Source: USA Today 2010-10-24T23:55:56Z)

Private Equity Is Hard-Pushed to Score With Brit

Even for a seasoned batter, this looks like a tough inning. U.S. private-equity group Apollo Management and Europe-based buyout firm CVC Partners have secured management approval for a £890 million ($1.4 billion) takeover of England cricket-team sponsor ... (Source: Wall Street Journal 2010-10-26T19:57:20Z)

GlaxoSmithKline to pay $750m fine in fraud case

Federal prosecutors in Boston yesterday said British drug giant GlaxoSmithKline PLC agreed to pay $750 million to settle civil and criminal charges that it made and sold adulterated drugs, including the antidepressant Paxil, to Medicaid and other ... (Source: Boston Globe 2010-10-27T02:59:41Z)

137 dead as Indonesia hit by tsunami, volcano

JAKARTA (AFP) – At least 112 people were killed and hundreds remained missing in Indonesia after a tsunami triggered by a powerful earthquake smashed into a remote island chain, washing away entire villages. Another 25 people have been killed after the ... (Source: YAHOO! 2010-10-27T03:06:50Z)

Wednesday Papers: Brit Insurance agrees sale to CVC and Apollo - tips, comment and bids

* Brit Insurance has agreed an £888 million cash buy-out deal with Apollo and CVC that values the Lloyd's of London insurer at up to £11 a share. * Area Property Partners, a US private equity group, is in talks to acquire a 30% stake in 222X-Leisure ... (Source: Citywire.co.uk 2010-10-27T02:52:31Z)

TREASURIES-Long bonds gain on expected Fed buying

NEW YORK, Oct 25 (Reuters) - U.S. 30-year Treasury debt prices rose on Monday, flattening the yield curve on expectations that the Federal Reserve will engage in another round of asset purchases. Bargain-hunters bought the 30-year bond, which has become ... (Source: Inside Fidelity 2010-10-25T21:17:16Z)

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