Cooperation in sight. Daimler and Volvo Cars (Geely) plan to cooperate to reduce their costs in combustion engines, according to the weekly Automobilwoche. The interested parties declined to comment. Volvo's automotive division left Ford for Geely in 2010.

The suspense continues. Carlos Ghosn fled his home in Tokyo after a private security firm hired by Nissan stopped monitoring him, Reuters informants said. There are many rumors circulating about this incredible affair. The latest report indicates that two ex-American soldiers could have helped the former Renault boss to leave Japan. He is said to have taken a bullet train to Osaka, with a mask and a hat on. And the company that rented the business jets used for the escape filed a complaint after being abused on the intentions of its customers. The Japanese authorities, for their part, consider the escape "unjustifiable". Carlos Ghosn is due to hold a press conference from Lebanon on Wednesday...

Zero risk. The U.S. Civil Aviation Authority is considering requiring additional flight simulator sessions for Boeing 737 MAX pilots. At the same time, the FAA and Boeing have confirmed that they are examining some of the wiring in the single-aisle aircraft, which could be a cause of a short circuit. Since no one can make a mistake anymore, it is easy to imagine that the aircraft will be completely deboned before getting the green light to fly again.

Successful takeover. Novartis has completed the acquisition of The Medicines Company for nearly $10 billion, giving it access to the experimental cholesterol treatment Inclisiran. As of January 3, the Swiss giant held nearly 75% of the US company's shares and had commitments for an additional 16.9%. The price has been negotiated in advance with the target's board of directors, so there was little doubt about the outcome of the offer.

The paths are separating. Fujifilm Holdings will cease its agreements with Xerox in 2021 to enter the European and American markets with its own brand. The Japanese company initially wanted to merge with Xerox but the project failed. It had fallen back on buying out the 25% not held in the Fuji Xerox joint venture, which will be renamed Fujifilm Business Innovation. A separation that was therefore expected.

Ford’s sales down. US carmaker Ford Motor saw its sales in the United States fall by 1.3% in the fourth quarter of 2019 from the same quarter in 2018. Sales totaled 601,862 units over the period.

In other news. The U.S. Army forbids its soldiers to use the TikTok application, because of its ties with China. Samsung plans to unveil innovative terminals on February 11. A new CFO for Sunrise. Stadler Rail signs a CHF 67 M contract in Germany. Compass CEO Paul Walsh will resign.