Media Digest 4/20/2009 Reuters, WSJ, NYTimes, FT, Bloomberg

According to Reuters, PepsiCo (PEP) is offering $6 billion for a number of its bottlers.

Reuters reports that GlaxoSmthKline (GSK) is in talks to buy Stiefel Laboratories.

Reuters writes that the US may convert its bank bailout funds to equity shares.

Reuters reports that Exxon (XOM) topped Wal-Mart (WMT) as the largest company in the Fortune 500.

Reuters reports that US bank lending dropped in February despite bailout funds.

Reuters reports that AIG (AIG) is delaying its proxy while it reshuffles its board.

Reuters writes that a survey shows a slight rebound in capital spending plans.

Reuters reports that GM (GM) may sell Opel for no gain.

Reuters reports that Rio Tinto (RTP) said it stands behind the Chinalco deal.

Reuters reports that shares in Toshiba fell on rumors it will have to raise funds.

The Wall Street Journal writes that China’s consumers keep spending.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Obama is targeting credit card fees.

The Wall Street Journal reports that auto retirees are pressing their case.

The Wall Street Journal reports that commercial radio stations are begging for cash.

The Wall Street Journal reports that UBS (UBS) will sell its Brazilian unit at a loss.

The Wall Street Journal reports that IBM (IBM) is being helped by the diversity of its businesses.

The Wall Street Journal reports that California is facing another large budget deficit.

The Wall Street Journal reports that officials from the Fed fought over inflation targets.

The Wall Street Journal reports that China is making loans to governments to lock up oil deals.

The Wall Street Journal reports that tech earning will test the sector.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the Roseta IPO may open the door for certain other stocks.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Priceline (PCLN) is grabbing business from competitors.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the spending rate are fast-food chains is causing concern.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Microsoft (MFST) is introducing at Windows 7 “starter” aimed at small computers like netbooks.

The Wall Street Journal writes that Ogilvy sees strong ad spending in China and India.

The Wall Street Journal reports that more companies are offering to make payments if customers lose their jobs.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the overseers of AIG (AIG) have remained nearly invisible to the public.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Abobe (ADBE) will move its Flash format to TVs.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the recession is making older customers more attractive.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Porsche will introduce its new four-door sedan at the Shanghai auto show.

The FT reports that “Strong banks will be allowed to repay bail-out funds they received from the US government but only if such a move passes a test to determine whether it is in the national economic interest.”

The FT reports that men are bearing the brunt of US jobs losses.

The FT reports that inflation may be looming for the US economy.

The FT reports that Europe’s wealthy are quickly taking money out of hedge funds.

Bloomberg reports that yield on Treasury bills has headed toward zero.

Douglas A. McIntyre