International Paper Buys DS Smith in All-Share Deal

International Paper has agreed to buy London-listed peer DS Smith for roughly $7.2 billion in an all-share deal, outgunning a rival bid from Mondi to form a global packaging leader. 


 
Microsoft to Invest $1.5 Billion in U.A.E. AI Firm

The deal between the tech giant and Abu Dhabi-based G42 signals a pivot for the Gulf state toward Washington. 


 
Ericsson Mobile Network Weakness to Continue Through 2024

Ericsson expects the mobile-network market to continue falling at least through the end of this year, as customer spending remains cautious and investments in India slow further. 


 
Baidu Says Ernie AI Chatbot Now Has 200 Million Users

The number of users of Baidu's Ernie Bot, China's most popular ChatGPT-style chatbot, has doubled in recent months to 200 million, according to the company. 


 
Chinese Developer Sinks After HSBC Subsidiary Files Liquidation Petition

A subsidiary of HSBC wants to liquidate debt-troubled Times China, in another instance of creditors seeking to recoup funds from developers amid China's protracted property slump. 


 
Alantra Partners Leads Growth Deal for Energy AI-Software Maker GridBeyond

GridBeyond's software uses artificial intelligence to help owners of renewable-power assets manage their systems. 


 
Evolution Equity Raises $1.1 Billion for Cybersecurity Bets

Evolution Equity Partners has wrapped up fundraising with $1.1 billion collected for a fund to back cybersecurity companies through growth investments. 


 
Bank of America Set to Report Earnings as High Interest Rates Cut Both Ways

Analysts polled by FactSet expected the bank to report earnings of $0.76 per share on revenue of $25.5 billion. 


 
Morgan Stanley Is Set to Report First Quarterly Results Under New CEO

The earnings come days after a report that federal regulators are looking into the vetting of customers at a core business. 


 
Johnson & Johnson to Report Earnings as Talc Issues Loom

Pharmaceuticals firm Johnson & Johnson kicks off earnings season for the sector on Tuesday. Investors want executives to put to rest ongoing talc litigation.


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

04-16-24 0515ET