Section: Business Insider (USA)
10 things you need to know before the opening bell
Here is what you need to know. Heinz and Kraft Foods announced a mega merger. The deal gives Heinz a 51% ownership in “The Kraft Heinz Co,” and 49% ownership to Kraft shareholders. Kraft shareholders are set to receive both stock and a $16.50 special dividend. The deal was financed by a $10 billion contribution from Berkshire Hathaway...
The 10 most important things in the world right now
Hello! Here’s what you need to know for Wednesday. 1. The black box has been recovered from the Germanwings Airbus A320 that crashed in the French Alps on Tuesday morning, carrying 144 passengers, as it was flying from Barcelona to Dusseldorf. 2. Kraft Foods is reportedly in talks to be acquired by Brazilian private equity firm 3G Capital....
Russia is flexing its muscles in Central America
Russia has once again started to flex its muscles in a bid to rebuild its influence in the Central American state of Nicaragua, McClatchy DC reports. Moscow may strike a possible arms deal with Nicaragua that would provide the Central American country with fighter jets. Although details of the deal have not been revealed, there are rumors in...
A billionaire tycoon with his own private army is on a dangerous collision course with the government in Ukraine
Igor Kolomoisky was once called Ukraine’s “secret weapon” as the 52-year old billionaire raised his own private army to fight off separatist forces attempting to capture the country’s third-largest city. Now the government in Kiev faces a dangerous stand-off with one of its most important allies. In March last year...
Platini warns of new ‘dark days’ of football hooliganism
Vienna (AFP) – UEFA president Michel Platini on Tuesday warned of a return to the “dark days” of hooliganism in Europe fired by a rise in nationalism and extremism.Platini, who is to be reelected unopposed to a third term leading Europe’s governing body, said governments had to stop a return to the 1980s when...
A plane carrying 142 passengers has crashed in France; there are likely no survivors
An Airbus 320 flying from Barcelona to Dusseldorf has crashed in southern France, Reuters reports. The Germanwings flight was carrying 142 passengers and six crew members, according to AFP. The plane crashed in the southern French alps. The exact number of casualties has not yet been confirmed, but French officials said in statements that there...
A detailed look at how Russia annexed Crimea
A year ago, the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea was “reunified” with Russia by way of well equipped, organized, and trained “self defense units” who were actually Russian special forces. The operation to seize Crimea began on February 27, 2014 when an unidentified task force captured several government buildings including...
Michelin-starred French chef closes Moscow restaurant
Moscow (AFP) – Michelin-starred French chef Pierre Gagnaire is to close his restaurant in a Moscow luxury hotel, a spokeswoman said Monday, with Russian media blaming the economic crisis and the embargo on many Western foods for the decision.”After five years of fruitful cooperation with Pierre Gagnaire, Les Menus restaurant is...
Russia is holding a $3 billion sword over Ukraine’s neck
Ukraine could be set for yet another showdown with Russia over a $3 billion debt bill. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is assuming that $3 billion of debt owed by Ukraine to Russia this year will have to be restructured as part of the country’s bailout package. There’s only one problem — Russia doesn’t want to play ball....
The Russian auto industry is a catastrophe
Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest car makers. A like the globe’s other big players, it once looked longingly toward Russia when the auto industry began a robust recovery about five years ago. But VW has gotten burned. The company will reduce shifts and lay off at least 150 workers at its Russian car plant to try to cut costs in...
