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Reports on the implications of the decision of Commerzbank to cancel talks to buy BHF-Bank, a small bank based in Frankfurt, Germany. Reasons for deciding not to pursue the merger; Inability to offset the cost of laying off redundant employees through the acquisition of BHF-Bank customers; Opposition of layoffs from employees and some senior executives.

This article presents information about the founding and development of the company that builds the Porsche automobile. Ferdinand Porsche designed the first Volkswagen and founded the company that makes the Porsche sports car. Wolfgang Porsche, grandson of Ferdinand Porsche, is now trying to combine both the Volkswagen and Porsche auto manufacturing businesses. Porsche holds a 20 percent investment in Volkswagen and is poised to make a majority takeover of the company.

The article reports that the European Court of Justice is expected to strike down Germany's so-called Volkswagen Law which protects the automobile manufacturer from an unwanted takeover. If the court rules as expected, it would allow Porsche to purchase Volkswagen. Porsche has been purchasing the latter's company's shares since 2005, and has a $14 billion line of credit to finance the purchase of a majority interest.

The article reports on an interview with Dieter Zetsche, chief executive office of DaimlerChrysler, on the company's decision to sell Chrysler to the private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management. Zetsche admits the sale was difficult for him emotionally. He maintains that Cerberus offers Chrysler its best possible setup for the future. Zetsche states that Daimler's Mercedes division is posed for strong earnings growth.

The article focuses on Daimler-Benz corporation after its sale of Chrysler to the private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management. The company's stock price has risen since its February 2007 announcement it was considering selling Chrysler. The Mercedes-Benz luxury cars, buses, and trucks which are Daimler's core products remain profitable. The failure of the merged DaimerChrysler company is analyzed.

The article discusses the possible division of automaker DaimlerChrysler. Stock prices rose when the company announced that it was looking into all available options to help corporate finances in February 2007. The comment led investors to believe that the corporation planned to sell its American division, Chrysler.

The article describes the criticism towards Carlos Ghosn, the chief executive officer of Nissan-Renault which runs two carmaker companies, Renault in France and Nissan Motor in Japan. Critics believe that Ghosn would be spreading himself too thin if he were to extend his influence to American carmaker General Motors, a possibility that is being explored. Ghosn saved Nissan from ruins when he took it over in 1999, but he is finding it difficult to maintain the growth of both Nissan and Renault.

The article focuses on Italian banker Alessandro Profumo of UniCredit Group. According to the author, Profumo's goal is to build a European financial empire that can run with the giants of the United States. Comments from Profumo are included. It is suggested that although Profumo would like to acquire other banks, few are willing to accept acquisition.

The article reports that the German drug and chemical giant Bayer AG announced a nearly $20 billion offer for its smaller rival Shering AG, topping an offer of $17.9 billion by Merck & Co. Inc. of Germany. Details of the offer are reviewed. According to the author, the Berlin-based Schering said it would recommend the offer to its shareholders. The author reviews how Bayer has struggled since the recall of its anticholesterol treatment Baycol over safety concerns in 2001.

The article focuses on the European market, where chief executives are increasingly seeking cross-border mergers. In recent weeks European governments have thrown up barriers to foreign takeovers of companies, including hastily drafted antitakeover laws. This activity is creating a collision between the business sector and a wave of protectionism. Attention is shifting to Brussels, Belgium, where the European Commission will decide whether to take Spain, France and Poland to court on accusations of illegally blocking foreign takeovers. INSET: European Official Challenges 6 Nations' Gambling Rules.

Presents the author's views on the rumor that Deutsche Telekom AG, which is supplied by the thriving American cellphone service T-Mobile USA Inc., is thinking of selling the business. View that T-Mobile is running the risk of being dwarfed by its three giant competitors, which include Cingular Wireless LCC, Verizon Wireless and Sprint-Nextel; Comments on the rumors regarding a sale from Deutsche Telekom spokesman Hans Ehnert. United States.

Reports on Viacom's acquisition of Viva Media. Terms of the deal.

Reports on the concern of German officials on the effect of the planned merger of Sanofi-Synthélabo SA and Aventis SA on jobs in Germany where the latter company has major operations. Rate of unemployment in the country; Sentiments of Monika Reiter, vice chairwoman of the workers' council in Frankfurt, Germany, regarding the takeover bid; Speculation on the reason why Sanofi decided to seek a major acquisition.

VIRGINIA BEACH -- For a moment on Friday, the cyber-Barack Obama was perfectly at odds with the flesh-and-blood version. Speaking to 1,400 supporters at a high school here, President Obama voiced his familiar lament that ''there is so much negativity and so much cynicism'' in politics that he could understand if voters tuned out the election. Minutes earlier on Twitter, he had written, ''Why Mitt Romney's end date at his buyout firm matters,'' linking to a blog post about the tempest over his Republican challenger's departure from Bain Capital. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

CORRECTION APPENDED WASHINGTON -- President Obama on Friday announced an aggressive campaign to shrink the size of the federal government, a proposal less notable for its goal -- the fight against bloat has been embraced by every modern-day president -- than for the political challenge it poses to a hostile Congress. Mr. Obama called on lawmakers to grant him broad new powers to propose mergers of agencies, which Congress would then have to approve or reject in an up-or-down vote. If granted the authority, he said, he would begin pruning by folding the Small Business Administration and five other trade and business agencies into a single agency that would replace the Commerce Department. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a step that could accelerate a shakeout of the nation's banks, the Treasury Department hopes to spur a new round of mergers by steering some of the money in its $250 billion rescue package to banks that are willing to buy weaker rivals, according to government officials. As the Treasury embarks on its unprecedented recapitalization, it is becoming clear that the government wants not only to stabilize the industry, but also to reshape it. Two senior officials said the selection criteria would include banks that need more capital to finance acquisitions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Citigroup, reeling from subprime losses and eager to shed assets, said Friday that it would sell its German banking operations to Credit Mutuel of France for 4.9 billion euros ($7.7 billion) in cash, setting the stage for what could be a wave of mergers in German banking. The deal, which analysts said was priced at the high end of expectations, gives Credit Mutuel, a retail bank that is one of France's largest, a secure foothold in Europe's largest banking market. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents information on industrial relations between employees of Volkswagenwerk and Porsche AG. It states that the misunderstanding between workers of Porsche and Volswagenwerk, contributed to employee representatives of Volkswagenwerk, suing Porsche. Porsche's chief executive, Wendelin Wiedeking, said that Porsche will not increase its 31 percent share in Volkswagenwerk, to complete the take over, before 25 December, 2007.

The article reports that a vote has been won by DaimlerChrysler AG's management to call the single company as Daimler AG. But this was not before motions were filed by several shareholders pleading for the Benz name, in one form or another. In May 1998, during the negotiation of the merger between Daimler-Benz and Chrysler Corp., Daimler offered to drop the Benz hyphenate if Chrysler also agreed to take a name in DaimlerChrysler.

The article presents information on the rising trend of mergers and acquisitions of business enterprises in Europe. The concept of closing takeover deals is rising due to an influx of private equity money, more active shareholders and low interest rates in the European market. The ongoing trend based on total value of mergers and acquisitions in Europe has outpaced the U.S.

The article reports that Engelhard Corp. has agreed to be acquired by BASF Corp. for $5 billion.

The article reports that Germany's leading media conglomerate, Bertelsmann AG has announced to buy out its outsider shareholder Groupe Bruxelles Lambert, for 4.5 billion euros.

The article focuses issues concerning the takeover of Bank Handlowy, Poland's largest corporate lender by Citigroup Inc.

The article reports on the plans of Euronext and Deutsche Börse for a merger which is a result of the American takeover of the London Stock Exchange.

The article reports on the unsolicited offer on Engelhard Corp. by German company BASF Corp. and the bid raised for Dofasco Inc. by another German business enterprise ThyssenKrupp AG.

Focuses on the merger between Germany-based Adidas-Salomon AG and Reebok International Ltd., which is based in Canton, Massachusetts. Plan of the two athletic shoes-maker to overtake market leader, Nike Inc.

Reports on the absence of political resistance among politicians in Germany and Italy on the planned merger between German bank, HVB Group AG, and Unicredito Italiano SpA of Italy.

Reports that HVB Group is weighing a takeover bid by Italian firm Unicredito Italiano in Germany.

Reports on the negotiation engaged by Lufthansa German Airlines AG to acquire Swiss International Air Lines that would speed the consolidation of Europe's national carriers.

Reports on the subdued presentation of Deutsche Bank CEO Josef Ackerman in which he outlined plans for the bank this year. Previous rumors about acquisitions and merges which did not materialize; Cost cutting plans and a narrowing of focus to try to make the bank more profitable; Ackerman's goals which include increasing the bank's market capitalization; Challenges ahead.

Reports on the hostile take over of Aventis by the French pharmaceutical company, Sanofi-Synthélabo. How the French government stage-managed the deal which created the third largest drug company in the world; Belief that reasons behind the merger have just become clearer with the Sanofi-Aventis company release of information about a new drug which is designed to fight obesity and smoking; Drug which is known as rimonabant and will be marketed as Acomplia which is believed by some to be the once-in-a-decade blockbuster drug; How much money could potentially be generated by an obesity fighting drug; Release of an unfinished two year study which shows some striking results; Why both companies needed each other to bring this drug to market.

Discusses last week's announcement by Microsoft that it had held merger talks with German software company SAP. Comments by SAP CEO Henning Kagermann on the reactions of other industry leaders to the news; Reasons why Microsoft and SAP felt forced to confirm the talks; Speculation about whether news of the talks will boost SAP's international profile; Comments by Kagermann on the future of SAP and of the enterprise software industry as a whole; Discussion of possible regulatory barriers to the merger; Speculation about whether IBM could also make a bid for SAP; Discussion of what implications a merger between SAP and another partner could have for rival Oracle, which would like to acquire PeopleSoft.

Reports on the statements of Henning Kagermann, head of computer software company SAP during the 2004 annual meeting of Deutsche Bank. Concern of shareholders on the sale of the bank; Possibility of the purchase of SAP by Microsoft.

Reports that a consolidation between Deutsche Bank and Germany's largest retail bank, Postbank, appears to be off. Rejection of a sale to Deutsche Bank by Deutsche Post, the mail and delivery giant that owns Postbank; Pledge to hold on to a majority stake in the newly public company; Possibility that the deal could be revived; Involvement of the government in the potential merger; Encouragement by officials in Berlin for Deutsche Bank to buy Postbank.

Reports that DaimlerChrysler's chief executive, Jürgen E. Schrempp, survived a critical board meeting yesterday--a week after the board rejected his proposal that the company bail out its struggling Japanese partner, Mitsubishi Motors--but Wolfgang Bernhard, the chief operating officer of the Chrysler division and a top protege of Schrempp, was told that he would not take control of the Mercedes division as planned. Reaction to the sidelining of Bernhard by employees, analysts and the auto industry; Speculation about whether Bernhard will leave the company; Speculation about whether Schrempp is losing his grip on the company; Background on Schrempp's tenure as CEO and the troubles faced by DaimlerChrysler since the merger; Details of the company's finances; Details of the business discussed at the board meeting; Report of conflicts between Schrempp and other executives at the company.

Reports on the plan of cable operator Kabel Deutschland to acquire Deutsche Telekom AG in Frankfurt, Germany. Cost for the sale of the business enterprise; Terms of the acquisition; Benefits of the acquisition for Kabel Deutschland.

Speculates on the potential that Deutsche Bank may be acquired or merge with a foreign bank. Potential partners in a merger or acquisition; Comments from Max Dietzsch-Doertenbach, who runs a private investment firm in Frankfurt, Germany, regarding the sale of Deutsche Bank; Financial evaluation of Deutsche Bank relative to bigger global banking firms; Efforts of Chief Executive Josef Ackerman to make the company an attractive target company; Comments from Anshu Jain, head of the bank's bond trading and underwriting division, regarding Deutsche Bank's limited global brand and appeal to the retail customer.

Reports on the agreement between Bertelsmann and Sony to join their music divisions. Non-binding agreement which does not include their publishing units; Creation of Sony BMG which would give the giant 25% of the music industry; Role the possible merger between Time Warner and EMI; Approval needed from anti-trust regulators in the U.S. and Europe; History of the European Commission rulings on musical mergers; Other problems.

Discusses Procter & Gamble's prospect of buying German company Bejersdorf, which makes Nivea skin cream. Arbiter of the contest insurance giant Allianz; Loophole in Germany's takeover laws; Fact that if P.&G. gain control they will more than likely lay of many of Biersdorf's workers.

Reports on the selling of German breweries to foreign companies. Interbrew's acquisition of Gabriel Sedlmayr which includes Löwenbräu; Previous foreign deals with Beck's and Paulaner; Comments from Bavarian locals; Laws governing the production and sale of beer for the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany; Attraction of large companies to the German beer market; Belgian company which is the largest seller of beer in Germany.

Reports that creditors of the bankrupt KirchMedia empire accepted Haim Saban's offer for control of ProSiebenSat.1, one of Germany's leading broadcasters. Background on Saban and his pursuit of the German television market; Details of the deal Why Saban's takeover of ProSiebenSat.1 would be a landmark in Germany's media industry; Views of analysts.

Presents worldwide news briefs relating to business as of November 13, 2002. Possible partnership between German chemicals and drug maker Bayer and a potential partner for Bayer's pharmaceutical operations; Profit for Japan's Mitsubishi Motors Corporation; End to talks concerning Brazil's Banco Itau's plan to buy Banco Sudameris Brasil from IntesaBci of Italy; Others.

Reports on positive financial news related to Hong Kong companies, as of September 6, 2001. Statement that the communication company Pacific Century Cyberworks posted its first profit since last year; Expectation that the Hong Kong Stock Exchange will approve the plan of financier Jimmy Lai to sell his privately held newspaper, Apple Daily, to his publicly traded Internet company, Next Media; Implications of these developments.

Reports that the Development Bank of Singapore (DBS) published letters of apology to two rival banks for suggesting that they were guilty of cronyism. Background on the bank's relations with United Overseas Bank and Overseas Union Bank; Blame for the problem put on Goldman, Sachs & Company, which was advising DBS on its takeover campaign; Compensation paid to each bank; Mention of Singapore's defamation laws.