Reuters writes that Alcan (AL) is in talks with fellow metals company BHP Billiton (BHP) about a merger after rejecting an offer from Alcoa (AA).
Reuters also reports that California savings & loan Fremont General (FMT) has arranged to sell part of its troubled loan portfolio, lifting the company’s shares.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Crescent Real Estate (CEI) has agree to be purchase by Morgan Stanely (MS) for a modest premium.
The head of Halliburton (HAL) who has relocated to Dubai, has suggested that Middle East interests take a substantial share of the company as it build its business there, writes WSJ.
Two surveys of first quarter server sales put IBM (IBM) and Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) as the sales leaders worldwide, according to WSJ.
The WSJ writes that Medtronic (MDT) has a 10% increase in earnings due largely to implantable defibrillators sales.
The New York Times writes that Intel (INTC) is forming a flash memory joint venture with ST Micro (STM).
FT writes that Dow Jones (DJ) founding Bancroft family will meet to discuss an offer from News Corp (NWS).
Barron’s writes that Dell (DELL) may partner with a large retail to improve consumer sales.
Douglas A. McIntyre