COMPANIES

Cobham to take on Aeroflex's $540m net debt.

China is Russia's largest trading partner and the countries are expected to announce a number of agreements

Underlying pre-tax profit declined by 3.9% to £623m, as bosses agree to forego bonuses.

Steven Levitt co-authored Freakonomics, which sold more than 4 million copies worldwide

Energy firm Cuadrilla has announced that it will submit plans to begin fracking in Lancashire.

Russia's foreign minister says Russia open to Slovakia sending reverse gas flows to Ukraine.

Dassault pins hopes on pro-business credentials of India's prime minister-designate Narendra Modi.

Chinese newspaper Legal Daily claims GSK imported HIV drug at higher costs to reduce its taxable income.

Malaysian Airline's stock drops to a record low on 19 May.

EU Energy Commissioner says two rounds of talks will take place next week

Kerviel sentenced for making unauthorised trades that lost Societe Generale some $6.7bn.

Budget airline Ryanair blames decline in fares, weaker sterling and higher fuel costs.

Stake worth €1.75bn placed with Qatari royal family's Paramount Holdings Services.

Swiss unions made the proposal for £14 per hour minimum wage to meet its high cost of living.

Arson, violence and looting directed at foreign businesses in Vietnam damaging investor confidence.

BT plans 1,600 engineering jobs for Broadband network and says 'significant number' will go to ex-service personnel.

Deal is to be completed in 12 months, subject to shareholder and regulatory approval.

AstraZeneca said final offer undervalues company and its prospects.

Interims usually appointed at senior management level to help organisations navigate major change.

GM reached an agreement with US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Mobile phone giants will work together in some areas of patent reform.

European Union could import gas from Cyprus and Israel as alternative to Russian gas.

Production at South Africa's platinum mines has been halted by worker strikes since January.

Portfolio manager Steinberg 'involved in most lucrative insider trading scheme in American history'

Delegates at the Association of Corporate Treasurers in Glasgow say it's too early to make plans

Bovis Homes reports an 80% increase in housebuilding for 2014.

GM to take about $200m charge in second-quarter for latest recalls.

Britain's taxman is defending new proposals and accountancy measures

Former Infosys board member Mohandas Pai believes disinvestment can rake in nearly $17bn a year.